Why Does My Car Have a Strong Gasoline Smell?

[McDelilah]

Reasons for a strong gasoline smell in a car are as follows: Incomplete Combustion of Gasoline: If the gasoline smell is very strong after starting the car but disappears after the engine warms up, it is a normal phenomenon. This happens because the combustion efficiency is poor when the car is first started. During a cold start, the water temperature and exhaust pipe temperature are low, and the air-fuel mixture is richer, causing some of the mixture to not burn completely and be expelled through the exhaust pipe, resulting in a noticeable gasoline smell. Aging Rubber Hoses: Rubber hoses in the engine compartment can deteriorate over time, especially in older vehicles. Once these hoses age, gasoline may leak into the engine compartment. The air conditioning system can then draw this gasoline smell into the cabin. Therefore, aged rubber hoses should be replaced promptly. Leakage at Gasoline Pipe Connections: If there is leakage at the connections of the gasoline pipes, the gasoline smell can enter the cabin through the air conditioning system. If you notice a gasoline smell inside the car, the connections of the gasoline pipes should be inspected.