Why does my car smell like gasoline?
Not only causing discomfort, a car smelling of gasoline is also a sign of problems related to the fuel system.
If you are exposed to the smell of gasoline/oil for a long time, it will have a significant impact on your health. Therefore, when your car smells of gasoline, you need to find out the cause to find an effective solution.
Here are the reasons why cars smell like gasoline:
Open fuel cap
If the gas tank cap is loose or open, the gas in the tank will smell bad, especially when the car windows are down or the air is getting outside.
For this reason, the solution is quite simple. Stop the vehicle and close the fuel cap tightly before continuing. In case the fuel cap is damaged, take the vehicle to the dealer for timely repair.
Fuel line leak
A fuel line leak is one of the most common causes of a gasoline smell in a car. If there is a fuel line leak, the smell of gasoline will often spread in and around the car, especially when the engine is running. You may also see signs of a fuel leak under the car or on surfaces near the fuel line.
To fix this problem, inspect the fuel lines thoroughly, including the fuel hose and connections. Then patch or replace the leaking line.
Fuel injector failure
A damaged fuel injector is also the cause of the car smelling of gasoline. Signs of this are unstable vehicle operation, sudden increase in fuel consumption, and gasoline sticking around the injector area. In this case, the fuel injector needs to be cleaned or replaced.
Carburetor failure
Car exhaust that smells like raw gasoline can also be a warning sign of a carburetor problem or damage. When that happens, more gasoline enters the carburetor than normal, resulting in the gasoline not being completely burned and being released into the exhaust, causing an unpleasant smell.
The remedy is to clean or replace the carburetor.
Loose spark plug
If not tightened to the correct torque, the spark plug can become loose over time. A gasket around the spark plug that is not properly seated can cause the vehicle to smell of gasoline. In this case, the spark plug should be carefully inspected and adjusted.
