Will the fuel tank cap be damaged if it clicks 6 times when tightening?
3 Answers
It will not be damaged. Most fuel tank caps on the market are designed this way, making a clicking sound when tightened to the correct position. The fuel tank cap inherently clicks and cannot be tightened further; once you hear the sound, it is properly secured. Even if not fully tightened, you won’t smell gasoline. As long as the cap doesn’t wobble or fall off, gasoline won’t leak. Below is relevant information: Fuel Tank Cap: The fuel tank cap refers to the square-shaped, stainless steel container on a car used to store gasoline, typically located at the rear of the vehicle. In sedans, the fuel tank cap can usually be remotely controlled from inside the cabin, providing great convenience to the owner. If the fuel tank cap won’t open, you can start by accessing the trunk. First, remove the trunk liner covering the fuel tank, which is usually secured by plastic clips and can be easily pried open with a screwdriver. After removing the liner, you’ll see the locking mechanism of the fuel tank cap and the remote-operated cable. Pulling the cable will open the cap. If this doesn’t work, press the movable part of the locking mechanism while continuously pulling the cable, and the cap will open easily. Some models have a dedicated switch on the locking mechanism; pressing it will open the fuel tank cap.
I think the situation where the fuel tank cap clicks 6 times when tightening needs careful attention. Those sounds actually come from the locking mechanism inside the cap, designed to ensure a secure fit on the tank opening and prevent fuel evaporation or contaminant entry. Normally, it should click once after a few turns to indicate proper seating, typically requiring 3-4 clicks at most. If it clicks 6 times, it suggests you might be overtightening, which can easily deform or crack the cap's sealing ring. A damaged seal may cause fuel leakage at the tank opening or air ingress, leading to poor fuel pump performance or even reduced fuel efficiency. I've personally seen many car owners needing repairs for this reason, spending over a hundred dollars on new caps. My advice is to stop twisting once you hear the click, and regularly check the cap for air leaks - it's more economical and driving safety comes first.
Speaking of the fuel tank cap making six clicks when tightening, my own car had this issue last time, and the cap ended up being a bit loose but still usable for a while. This clicking sound is the cap's safety mechanism in action—each click means an additional layer of tightness, but it's designed to stop after three or four clicks. Six clicks are definitely excessive and may lead to thread wear or plastic cap deformation, directly affecting the seal. Poor sealing can allow gasoline fumes to seep into the cabin and sometimes trigger the check engine light. I’ve talked to mechanics at auto shops who say it’s not a major issue but should be prevented. Next time you refuel, pay attention to the clicks—stop forcing it after three. If you’re really concerned, buy a spare cap to keep in the trunk. A new one costs just a few dozen bucks, saving both money and hassle.