What problems can a loose gas cap cause?
A loose gas cap causes the check engine light. When the check engine light comes on, checking to see if the gas cap is loose is the first thing you need to do.
Can You Drive Without a Gas Cap?
If your vehicle wasn't made with a capless fuel filler, you shouldn't drive without a gas cap. If your vehicle is older, there is a possibility that fuel could escape from the fuel tank during aggressive cornering or other spirited driving.
For most cars, a gas cap can trigger a check engine light if it is not properly put on and locked into place. But the problem is a check engine light does not specifically point to which part of the vehicle is the problem.
Therefore, you may have to take the vehicle into the shop to get it checked out, which could cost you hundreds of dollars for as simple of a solution as tightening your gas cap.
The danger of driving without a gas cap is the chance of vapors and gas coming out. Special valves are built on newer vehicles that gas from spilling out of the tank. If you need to drive for a little while, there’s little chance of damage that may occur.
Replace your gas cap as soon as possible, though. It is important for environmental safety and to prevent loss of fuel. In very hot situations, there’s even a chance of fire or explosion if gas or vapors are leaking out.
When did you need to replace your gas cap?
Gas caps are designed to last for about 100,000 miles. In some cases, the gas cap will deteriorate at a rapid rate due to abnormally harsh conditions. Taking the time to inspect the fuel filler cap on occasion will allow you to figure out if there are any issues that need to be addressed.
In modern cars, the gas cap is part of the vehicle’s evaporative emissions control system. The cap helps seal your car’s fuel system so that petrol or diesel vapors don’t escape into the environment where they can contribute to climate change.
If your gas cap fails, you may notice a smell of fuel when you are near the vehicle. The cap may also not click when you tighten it. Finally, the failed gas cap can trigger your vehicle’s “check engine” warning light, which indicates—among other things—when there is a fault with the emissions control system. Some cars may have a dedicated warning light to tell you when the gas cap has failed, or that you didn’t tighten it fully the last time you fueled up.
If you suspect your gas cap may be faulty, you can get it tested at many repair shops that do vehicle smog tests. They will remove the gas cap from the car and attach it to a device that tests whether the cap provides an adequate seal. If it fails that test, you will have to replace the cap, but as you can see from this list of the best replacement caps, it is an inexpensive part.
For any car gas cap-related questions, feel free to contact us 24/7.
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