Our cars can make a lot of smells, including a gasoline smell. If your car is putting off the smell of gas and you’re not at gas station filling your tank, then something is probably wrong. So, why does your car smell like gas and what can you do to get rid of that smell?
Most Common Reasons Your Car Smells Like Gas
The first thing you need to do is find the source of the problem before you can stop it. There are several possible reasons that you keep getting a whiff of gas, but it usually takes a professional mechanic to determine the exact cause. In any case, if you smell gas, you should get it diagnosed and taken care of as soon as possible. These are some of the most common causes of that gas smell.
Exposure to Gasoline – gas fumes can get into your vehicle from gas station pumps, or other vehicles, which is the most common reason you smell gas. All you have to do is simply roll down your window and let your car air out. If the smell doesn’t go away, then there is likely a bigger issue.
Is the Gas Cap on – it seems small and insignificant, but your gas cap is actually very important. If it’s not in place and completely shut, you might smell gas. Additionally, if it’s broken or doesn’t seal right that can cause gas fumes to seep out, as well. Most newer cars alert you when your gas cap isn’t shut correctly.
What About a leak – a gas leak somewhere in your fuel line can also cause gassy smells. Gas leaks can happen in numerous locations, including the fuel tank, the injector, the fuel injection line, or fuel line. If you have a dark puddle under your car, that’s a sure sign of a gas leak.
Damaged Canister – the canister on your vehicle is responsible to collect charcoal and excess vapor from the fuel tank. If the canister seal is bad or the canister is cracked, it could be causing the smell of gas in your car.
Fuel Pressure – a fuel pressure issue, like a bad pressure regulator, could also cause a gas smell. When the pressure regulator wears out, your engine burns fuel until the mixture gets too rich or too thin. If your car is burning excess fuel, gas fumes can sit inside the exhaust or enter the ventilation system, which causes the smell of gas.
Vehicle is Older – unfortunately, if your vehicle is older, then your car is more likely to produce a gas smell. For example, cars from the 80’s or earlier often release a gas smell immediately after you turn off the engine. This is normal, and nothing to worry about. If the smell persists for a long time after you turn of your car, there might be a bigger problem.
We Will Get Rid of Smell of Gas – Downey Auto Repair
Unless it’s that unmistakable new car smell, most vehicle smells are usually a sign that something is wrong. If your car, truck, crossover, or SUV smells like gas, or anything else out of the ordinary, then please contact us at Glenn’s today.
We’ll “sniff” out the problem for you and get it taken care of. You don’t have to live with that awful smell. Our ASE certified technicians will do the job right. Trust Glenn’s Auto Service with all your auto repair needs, big or small.
Please call us at 562-359-4232 to schedule your next service. You can also schedule an appointment with us online by clicking here. We are your trusted Downey, CA auto repair shop for all services and repairs on all makes and models, including:
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