What Causes a Puddle of Oil Under the Car After Refueling?
2 Answers
The reason for a puddle of oil appearing under the car after refueling is that the fuel tank is overfilled. Gasoline is prone to evaporation, which produces gas. If the fuel tank is too full, there isn't enough space to accommodate the gas, leading to tank expansion or even fuel overflow, resulting in the phenomenon of oil leaking under the car. Gasoline is the fuel for car engines. The method to extract gasoline from the car is: 1. Open the engine hood and locate the fuel line connecting the engine to the fuel tank; 2. After removing the fuel line, connect a plastic tube to a container; 3. Open the vehicle's relay box and unplug the fuel pump relay; 4. Connect wires to the relay socket; 5. Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the 'on' position to start extracting the fuel.
I just encountered a similar situation before – oil stains leaking under the car after refueling, which is quite common. There could be several reasons: First, the fuel cap wasn’t tightened properly, and after refueling, a loose cap allowed fuel to seep out. Make sure to check if the cap is properly secured. Second, aging or cracked fuel lines or hoses, especially in older cars where rubber components are prone to corrosion and holes. The increased pressure during refueling can cause fuel to leak from these weak spots. Third, the fuel tank itself might be damaged or have poor sealing, and the higher fuel level after refueling exposes the issue. My advice is to turn off the engine first and inspect the source of the leak under the car. If the stain is light-colored like gasoline, don’t risk starting the car—contact a repair shop immediately to avoid potential fire hazards or environmental contamination. Also, avoid overfilling the tank during refueling and regularly inspect the fuel system to prevent such safety risks.