What causes a gasoline smell in the car?
2 Answers
There may be a gasoline smell in the car due to: 1. Poor sealing of the fuel tank cap, which needs replacement; 2. Fine cracks or damage in the fuel supply line; 3. Gaps at the connection between the fuel line and the fuel tank; 4. The carbon canister being filled with gasoline; 5. Incomplete combustion, possibly due to faulty spark plugs. Next to the gasoline filler hole, there is a vent for gasoline vapors. The vent's function is to maintain pressure in the fuel tank greater than atmospheric pressure when the temperature rises, causing gasoline to evaporate into vapors. This prevents the engine from stalling. When this vent is blocked, the evaporated vapors cannot escape and may release elsewhere, leading to a gasoline smell in the cabin.
I think when you smell gasoline in the car, you need to be immediately alert. Last time I encountered this while driving, it was due to aging and cracking of the fuel tank hose, causing gasoline to leak out; this is particularly dangerous as gasoline vapors are highly flammable when exposed to high temperatures or sparks. Common causes also include not tightening the fuel cap after refueling, loose or broken fuel line connections, fuel injection system leaks, or even damage to the fuel tank itself. I suggest that as soon as you smell it, immediately stop the car and turn off the engine, open the windows for ventilation, and avoid smoking or using any open flames in the car. Check under the car and in the engine compartment for any signs of oil stains, and use your nose to locate the source. If you find a leak, do not drive the car any further—safety first, call a tow truck to take it to a professional repair shop. Don’t delay; I know a driver who nearly had an accident because they ignored it.
