Sterling McCall Chevrolet welcomes you to learn what the indicators of a damaged gas cap are.
The first symptom of bad gas caps is likely a gas cap that will not tighten completely or a gas cap that is loose. This may not seem important at first, 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 seal to make sure it isn’t brittle or missing. If you have an old vehicle, be sure the metal gas cap is not damaged or bent. Both can lead to the gas cap problems and may require a replacement from the manufacturer.
What issues can an ill-fitting gas cap cause, well a check engine light for starters? A non-secure gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape the fuel tank, but it can also let in grime and dirt. These fuel vapors can produce errors in the emissions system, which would cause the check engine light to turn on. Grime that seeps into the gas tank may also damage injectors. Perhaps the biggest sign of a faulty gas cap is the gasoline smell in your vehicle.
If your vehicle wasn’t made with a capless gas tank, it is not recommended that you drive without a gas cap. If your car is a little older, there is a possibility that fuel could escape from the tank during hard cornering or spirited driving. Driving your vehicle without a gas cap could lead to reduced fuel economy because the gasoline might evaporate without the correct seal on the gas tank. The smell is the gasoline evaporating from your tank, causing reduced fuel economy.
If you have checked out the gas cap, the problems you’re having may be due to bad gasoline. If the car has trouble starting, won’t accelerate, or just isn’t running smoothly, then you might just have a bad tank of gas.
If your car doesn’t feel right and you aren’t sure if it’s bad gas or just a bad gas cap, bring it here, and our trained service techs will diagnose the problem and give you options for fixing the problem.
Sterling McCall Chevrolet 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 Chevrolet service in person or online today.
