Why Does My Car Smell Like Gasoline?

Vehicle fuel leaks are more common than you may think. In 2022, Ford recalled over 600,000 vehicles, and Hyundai recalled its 2021-2022 Santa Fe and Sonata models equipped with 2.5L turbocharged engines due to fuel leaks and possible fire hazards. Leaking gas from a bad gas cap or poor routine maintenance can result in a gasoline smell outside your car or inside the cabin. 

Reasons Your Car Smells Like Gasoline

Routine maintenance is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of the various parts that can wear out or be damaged. Especially when you consider the fact that leaking gas becomes more common as vehicles age. Let’s review several common reasons why your car may smell like gasoline. 

Bad Gas Cap

If your gas cap is loose or damaged, gas fumes can escape from your vehicle’s fuel system. You may notice a gas odor on the outside of your car, near the fuel tank. Inspect your fuel tank cap for damaged threads, a cracked seal, or issues with the outer plastic shell. If the gas cap is damaged, you can easily purchase a replacement online or at your local auto parts retailer.

Damaged Fuel Tank

As your fuel tank ages, it may develop damaging corrosion near the seams and edges, allowing fuel to leak. In climates with ice and snow, the chemical compounds used to melt ice (like road salt) can hasten the corrosion process. Depending on the location of your fuel tank, road debris and collisions can also cause damage. You should always schedule a diagnostic service after any accident that results in a gasoline smell.

Dirty Fuel Filter

Many auto manufacturers equip cars with two fuel filters. There’s usually one located in the fuel tank and another on the main fuel line. Fuel filters remove contaminants from the gasoline in your vehicle. Some fuel filters are made of metal and are susceptible to rust and corrosion. Additionally, an improperly installed or clogged fuel filter may leak when the fuel pump pushes harder to deliver enough gasoline to the engine.

Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP)

A charcoal canister in the evaporative emission control system (EVAP) absorbs gas fumes, preventing them from leaking into the atmosphere. If the charcoal canister is damaged, the gas fumes from your fuel tank will find their way into your car’s interior.

Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors attach to the fuel rail and seal against the intake manifold via small rubber o-rings. When the o-rings deteriorate, gasoline leaks around the fuel injectors and onto the intake manifold, instead of flowing into the combustion chamber.

Leaking Gas

Leaking gas in the fuel system can be difficult to find because gasoline evaporates pretty quickly. However, even a tiny leak can create a strong gas smell. Places to look for leaking gas include:

• Fuel Hoses or Lines
• Fuel Tank
• Gaskets or Seals

Loose Spark Plugs

Inside each cylinder in your internal combustion engine, air and fuel mix together. Spark plugs provide the spark needed to ignite the mixture. A loose spark plug creates a gap for the air and fuel mixture to leak out. A damaged spark plug will not spark, so the fuel will either ignite with the hot exhaust gases or leak out of your tailpipe.

Malfunctioning Fuel Pressure Regulator

A malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator may disrupt the engine’s fuel supply, allowing fuel to leak into the vacuum lines. When this part breaks, it can create excessive pressure in the fuel system, resulting in fuel-rich conditions, black exhaust smoke, decreased fuel economy, and a strong gasoline smell while the engine is running.

Routine Maintenance & Auto Repairs

Adhering to your factory-recommended service intervals can greatly reduce surprise issues with your car. Scheduling routine maintenance with All A’s Automotive Repair can help save you money in the long run. Our service technicians recognize needed repairs and automotive leaks before they cause major damage.

Schedule Service in Midland, MI

If you suspect your vehicle is leaking gas or you smell gasoline near the gas cap, call us at (989) 631-4672 to schedule a service appointment today!