What is the reason for difficulty in starting the car after each refueling?
2 Answers
It may be due to overfilling the fuel tank and hot weather. In hot weather, the temperature causes the air inside the fuel tank to expand. When the tank is overfilled, there is no space left for the expanding air. If you start the engine at this time, the air will be pumped into the engine through the fuel pump instead of fuel, resulting in difficulty starting. Refueling precautions: 1. Do not overfill the fuel tank when refueling: It is appropriate to fill about two-thirds of the tank. Overfilling can excessively damage the fuel float and sensor. 2. A fuel tank that is too full: It can also easily cause fuel to splash out while driving, and gasoline splashing onto the car body can corrode the paint.
As a seasoned car repair veteran, I must say that difficulty starting after refueling is likely related to fuel tank pressure. When you fill up, the pressure inside the tank changes. If the fuel cap isn't tightened properly or there's a leak in the evaporative emission system, fuel vapors can escape, causing the engine to not receive enough fuel mixture during startup. Another common issue is that refueling stirs up sediment at the bottom of the tank, which can clog the fuel pump or filter and affect fuel flow. This phenomenon is more noticeable in older vehicles, especially those that frequently use cheap gasoline. If this happens every time you refuel, it's best to immediately check if the fuel cap is tight, then inspect the evaporative system's hoses and charcoal canister for damage. Otherwise, not only will starting become difficult, but fuel consumption will also increase, and prolonged issues could even damage the engine. Safety first—don't let small problems escalate. Take your car directly to a professional shop for equipment-based diagnostics.
