Maxwell Ford invites you to understand what the signs of a bad gas cap are.
The 1st symptom of faulty gas caps is likely going to be a gas cap that is loose or a gas cap that won’t tighten completely. This may not seem significant at first, but without an air-tight seal, the entire fuel system can be contaminated with dirt and grime. If the gas cap isn’t fitting properly, try checking the rubber gasket to be sure it’s not brittle or missing. If you have an older car, make sure the metal gas cap is not damaged or bent. Both a bad seal or bent gas cap can cause gas cap problems and might even require buying a replacement from the original manufacturer.
What problems can an ill-fitting gas cap cause, well a check engine light? A non-secure gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape, but it can also let in grime and dirt. These fuel vapors can trigger errors in the emissions system, which could light up the check engine light. Grime that seeps into the fuel tank can also contaminate injectors. The biggest sign of a faulty gas cap is the gasoline smell in your vehicle.
These days you could possibly see no gas cap on new cars, but if your car was not built with a capless fuel filler, it’s not recommended that you drive without a gas cap. If your car is a little older, there is a chance that gas could leak out from the gas tank during aggressive corners or other spirited driving. If you drive your vehicle without a gas cap, it can lead to poor gas mileage because the gasoline may evaporate without a fully-sealed tank. The gas smell is the fuel evaporating from your gas tank, which causes poor gas mileage.
If you have checked out the gas cap, the problems you are having might be caused by contaminated fuel. If the car has trouble starting, won’t accelerate, or just is not running smoothly, then you might just have contaminated gas.
If your car, truck, or SUV just doesn’t feel normal and you are not sure if a bad gas cap or just bad fuel, bring it on in, and our experienced service techs will diagnose the problem and fix the problem.
Maxwell Ford is one of the best places to get vehicle repair in the Austin area. We proudly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our location online or in person to schedule service and repair for your car or truck. Our friendly technicians are ready to serve you.
