Gene Messer Chevrolet invites you to understand what the signs of a defective gas cap are.
The first of many symptoms of bad gas caps is probably going to be a gas cap that will not tighten completely or a gas cap that is loose. This may seem insignificant at first, but without an air-tight seal, the entire fuel system can be exposed to dirt and grime. If the gas cap is not sealing properly, try checking the seal to be sure it’s not brittle or missing. If you have an older car, make sure the metal gas cap isn’t damaged or bent. Both a bad seal or bent gas cap can lead to the gas cap issues and might require a replacement from the manufacturer.
What issues can a loose gas cap cause, well a check engine light for starters? A loose gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape, but it can also let in grime and dirt. These fuel vapors can cause an error in the emissions system, which could light up the check engine light. Dirt and Grime that gets into the gas tank could also contaminate injectors over time. Perhaps the biggest indicator of a faulty gas cap is the smell of gasoline inside your car.
These days you may see no gas cap on new cars, but if your car wasn’t constructed with a capless gas tank, it’s not recommended that you drive without a gas cap. If your car is older, there is a possibility that gasoline could escape from the tank during aggressive cornering or spirited driving. Driving your car without a gas cap can lead to poor fuel economy because the fuel may evaporate without a fully-sealed tank. The gas smell is the fuel evaporating from your tank, causing poor gas mileage.
If you’ve inspected the gas cap, the problems you are having may be due to contaminated fuel. If a car, truck, or SUV has trouble starting, will not accelerate, or just is not running smoothly, then it’s possible you just have a contaminated tank of gas.
If your car just does not feel normal and you aren’t sure if it’s bad gasoline or a bad gas cap, bring it on in, and our experienced service techs will figure out the issue and give you options for fixing the problem.
Gene Messer Chevrolet is one of the best places to get vehicle repair in the Lubbock 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.
