Why does the car smell strongly of gasoline?

[LeMargaret]

Reasons for a strong gasoline smell in the car: 1. The gasket inside the fuel tank cap is aged or uneven; 2. Long-term accumulation of dirt on the fuel injector and throttle body, leading to incomplete combustion of gasoline; 3. The gasoline filter is dirty or the connecting hose fittings are loose and aged; 4. The gasoline vapor canister is dirty or malfunctioning; 5. The fuel tank connecting hose is aged and loose; 6. Poor sealing performance of the car. When the vent hole is blocked, the evaporated fuel vapor cannot be released and will escape elsewhere, causing a gasoline smell in the cabin. Therefore, when there is a gasoline smell in the car, you can use compressed air to blow through the vent hole to resolve the issue.

[MacAxel]

Last time I went to the 4S shop for maintenance, the mechanic told me that the strong gasoline smell needed immediate investigation. The most common cause is an improperly tightened fuel tank cap, as an aged rubber seal can allow gasoline vapors to escape. Another possibility is a fuel line leak, especially in older cars where fuel lines are prone to cracking. If the smell becomes stronger after starting the engine, it's likely due to aging injector seals or fuel rail leakage. The most dangerous scenario is a faulty charcoal canister; if it's clogged, gasoline vapors will flow into the car. If you notice a strong smell after parking, never start the engine—first, check underneath the car for any signs of fuel leakage. You can inspect the fuel tank cap and fuel line connections in the engine bay yourself; if you spot any fuel stains, take the car to a repair shop immediately. A gasoline smell isn't just unpleasant—it can lead to a fire if exposed to sparks, so never take it lightly.

[Ora]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, let me share some tips. If you suddenly notice a stronger gasoline smell, don't panic—first check if you've just refueled, as spilled fuel from the nozzle can leave lingering odors. Pop the hood and inspect the fuel line connections near the engine; any leaks need immediate attention. A strong smell during cold starts might indicate a failing fuel pump seal. Another often-overlooked issue is a stuck charcoal canister purge valve, which can release fuel vapors directly—I had this exact problem last month and fixed it with an 80-yuan part. Also, check your trunk, as a cracked fuel filler neck hose can cause odors. When washing your car, remember to rinse oil stains from the undercarriage, especially after driving on muddy roads. Prolonged exposure to gasoline fumes is harmful to lungs, so always resolve these issues before driving with children.

[Alessandra]

A strong gasoline smell is no trivial matter. I once experienced a fuel line leak that nearly caused a fire. First, check if the fuel tank cap is loose - if the rubber gasket is cracked, simply replace it with a new one. The most dangerous scenario is a leaking high-pressure fuel line in the engine compartment, where you can see oil stains seeping out. If the smell suddenly worsens when you turn on the AC, it might indicate a fault in the fuel evaporation system. Pay special attention to strong odors during cold starts, as this indicates incomplete gasoline combustion. A saturated carbon canister or clogged lines can allow gasoline vapors to enter the cabin. If you smell gasoline after parking, immediately turn off the engine, move away from the vehicle, and call for a tow truck. Never repair a leaking car in the garage - last year my neighbor's garage fire was caused by exactly this reason.