No, you should not drive a car with a gas leak. It is extremely dangerous and should be treated as a serious emergency. The primary risk is fire or explosion; gasoline is highly flammable, and even a small spark from the electrical system, exhaust, or static electricity can ignite leaking fuel vapors. Beyond the immediate safety hazard, you are also releasing harmful pollutants into the environment and wasting money.
The moment you suspect a leak—indicated by a strong gasoline smell, visible puddles under the car, or a rapidly dropping fuel gauge—you need to take immediate action. Safely pull over and turn off the engine as soon as possible. Do not ignite any flames, including cigarettes, and do not operate any electronic switches that could create a spark.
The severity of the leak dictates the next steps. If the leak is minor and you are very close to a repair shop, you might consider a very cautious, slow drive with the windows down to dissipate vapor. However, this is still risky. The only truly safe course of action is to have the car towed to a mechanic. Driving with a leak can also worsen the problem, turning a simple hose replacement into a more expensive repair of a damaged fuel line or tank.
A professional mechanic will inspect the entire fuel system, which includes the fuel tank, lines, fuel rail, injectors, and seals. Common causes range from a rusty fuel tank or a loose fuel filter to a cracked hose. Addressing this immediately is non-negotiable for your safety and the safety of others on the road.
