Why is there a strong gasoline smell in the car after refueling?
2 Answers
After refueling, a strong gasoline smell in the car may be due to gasoline fumes entering the vehicle during the refueling process. You can try driving with the windows open to ventilate the smell. If the gasoline smell persists, it could indicate issues such as aging fuel tank seals, leaks in the gasoline lines, or a damaged charcoal canister. It is recommended that the owner promptly visit a repair shop for inspection to prevent potential hazards. Gasoline is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature, difficult to dissolve in water, and highly flammable. Its distillation range is between 30°C and 205°C. When the concentration in air reaches 74 to 123 grams per cubic meter, it can explode upon contact with fire. The calorific value of gasoline is approximately 44,000 kJ per kilogram.
A strong gasoline smell in the car after refueling may be due to the fuel tank cap not being tightened properly, allowing gasoline vapors to leak into the cabin. I've experienced this myself while driving—after refueling, the car smelled awful, and upon checking, the cap was indeed loose. After tightening it and driving with the windows open for a while, the smell dissipated. Alternatively, it could be a clogged carbon canister in the evaporative system, which recaptures vapors—a common issue in older cars. It's advisable to first check the cap yourself; if that doesn't help, visit a repair shop to inspect the lines. Don't ignore it—gasoline fumes are flammable and unsafe. Prolonged exposure can also be harmful, causing dizziness. Also, overfilling the tank during refueling can lead to vapor overflow, so fill it moderately.
