Why Does the Car Smell Strongly of Gasoline?
2 Answers
The main reasons for a strong gasoline smell inside the car are: 1. The fuel tank cap is not sealed tightly, or the carbon canister pipes are aged and cracked. In this case, it is necessary to focus on checking the sealing ring of the fuel tank. If you can fix it yourself, a simple repair will suffice; if not, the entire component should be replaced. 2. Overfilling the fuel tank. If the tank is filled too much, gasoline may flow into the carbon canister through the pipes. The carbon canister, which is originally designed to collect gasoline vapors, will release excess gasoline vapors through the vent when it is flooded with gasoline. When the air conditioning is in the external circulation mode, the gasoline smell can enter the car. 3. There is a gasoline leak. If this happens, the car should be immediately sent to a 4S shop for inspection and repair. The gasoline leak could be from the fuel pump's outlet or return pipes.
I've been driving for decades and often smell gasoline, which is usually a fuel system issue. For example, the gas cap might not be tightened properly, the fuel line connections could be loose, or the fuel tank itself might have cracks, especially noticeable on bumpy roads. Another common cause is a problem with the charcoal canister—it's designed to absorb gasoline vapors, but if it's clogged or fails, the vapors can leak into the cabin. Additionally, the evaporative system's valve might be stuck, causing the fumes to backflow. If you encounter this issue, I recommend first checking the gas cap and around the fuel tank for any signs of leakage. If none are found, it's best to visit a repair shop as soon as possible, as strong fumes are not only unpleasant but could also pose a fire hazard. In winter, low temperatures can cause seals to shrink and leak more easily, while in summer, high temperatures make vapors more volatile, so the risk varies by season.
