Sterling McCall Acura welcomes you to learn what the indicators of a faulty gas cap are.
The 1st of many symptoms of bad gas caps is a gas cap that will not tighten completely or a loose gas cap. This might seem insignificant, but without an air-tight seal, the entire fuel system can be exposed to grime and dirt. If the gas cap is not fitting properly, check the rubber seal to be sure it’s not brittle or missing. If you own an older vehicle, make sure the metal gas cap is not damaged or bent. Both a bad seal or bent gas cap can lead to the gas cap issues and may require a replacement from the manufacturer.
What concerns can a non-secure gas cap cause? How about a check engine light? An ill-fitting gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape the gas tank, but it can also let in grime and dirt. These gasoline vapors can produce an error in the emissions system, which would cause the check engine light to illuminate. Dirt that gets into the gas tank may also damage the injectors. Perhaps the biggest indicator of a faulty gas cap is the smell of gasoline inside your vehicle.
These days you might see no gas cap on new cars, but if your vehicle wasn’t constructed with a capless fuel filler, it is not recommended that you drive without a gas cap. If your vehicle is a little older, there’s a possibility that gas could leak out from the fuel tank during aggressive corners or other spirited driving. If you drive your vehicle without a gas cap, it can lead to diminished gas mileage because the fuel may evaporate without a fully-sealed tank. The smell is the gasoline evaporating from your fuel tank, which can cause reduced fuel efficiency.
If you have inspected the gas cap, the problems you’re having may be caused by contaminated gas. If your car, truck, or SUV has problems starting, will not accelerate, or just is not running smoothly, then you might just have contaminated gas.
If your vehicle just does not feel right and you aren’t sure if a bad gas cap or bad fuel, bring it on in, and our experienced service technicians will diagnose the issue and give you options for fixing the problem.
Sterling McCall Acura is one of the most trusted places for vehicle repair in the Houston area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your vehicle for any necessary repairs and suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your Acura service in person or online today.
