Why is there such a strong gasoline smell inside the car?

[SebastianLee]

There are several reasons for a strong gasoline smell inside the car: 1. Issues with the gasoline vapor canister: Overfilling the fuel tank for a long time can saturate the activated carbon in the canister, preventing it from recovering its activity in time. 2. Leakage at the fuel pipe connection: If there is a leak at the fuel pipe connection, gasoline fumes can enter the car through the air conditioning system. Open the engine hood to check for leaks, and if found, tighten the connection promptly or visit a repair shop. 3. Aging rubber hoses: Rubber hoses in the engine compartment can deteriorate over time, especially in older vehicles, leading to potential gasoline leaks into the engine bay. The air conditioning system can then draw these fumes into the car. 4. Incomplete combustion of gasoline: Fuel that is not fully burned before being expelled.

[LilahRose]

There could be several reasons for a strong gasoline smell in the car, with the most common being a fuel system leak. A loose fuel cap or an aged sealing ring can allow gasoline fumes to escape, especially noticeable right after refueling. If you notice oil stains under the car after parking, it might indicate loose fuel line connections or a damaged fuel tank, as rubber fuel lines in older cars are particularly prone to cracking. Another issue could be with the charcoal canister system; a faulty charcoal canister that absorbs gasoline vapors can also emit odors. When the air conditioning is set to external circulation, gasoline fumes from the engine compartment can be drawn into the car. I once experienced a particularly strong smell during cold starts, which turned out to be due to aged injector seal rings leaking fuel. For safety, if you detect a gasoline smell, close the windows, switch to internal air circulation, and visit a repair shop as soon as possible to check the fuel system.

[AbigailAnn]

Last week I also encountered a strong gasoline smell in the car, which turned out to be caused by a deformed rubber gasket on the fuel tank cap leaking fumes. The mechanic said strong gasoline odors usually indicate issues in three areas: fuel system leaks, clogged/defective charcoal canister, or insufficient engine combustion causing exhaust backflow. Overfilling the tank beyond the automatic pump shutoff reduces vapor space, allowing fumes to escape through cap gaps. Many cases involve undercarriage scrapes damaging fuel tanks, especially from urban curb impacts during parking. Inspections should focus on fuel pipe connections around the tank for oil stains - faulty ignition coils or spark plugs can also intensify gasoline odors. With hot weather accelerating fuel evaporation, even minor leaks become more noticeable.

[OAriana]

A sudden increase in gasoline odor warrants attention to potential safety hazards. First, check if the fuel tank cap is tightly screwed on; replace the sealing ring if it's worn. The most common locations for fuel system leaks are at the fuel pump interface and the piping under the rear seats. When rubber components age, gasoline vapors can seep into the cabin through gaps. A damaged charcoal canister may release absorbed gasoline directly into the intake, especially when the vehicle is parked, making the smell more noticeable. Cracks or severe leaks in the fuel lines can pose a fire risk—if you hear dripping sounds from the undercarriage, turn off the engine immediately. It's recommended to inspect the fuel system's sealing every 20,000 kilometers to prevent gasoline vapor buildup.