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Sterling McCall Toyota invites you to understand what the indicators of a bad gas cap are.
The most common symptom of bad gas caps is a gas cap that is loose or a gas cap that won’t completely tighten. This might seem insignificant, but if it’s not completely sealed then the fuel system can be contaminated with dirt and grime. If the gas cap is not closing properly, check the seal to make sure it isn’t brittle or missing. If you own an older vehicle, make sure the metal gas cap is not damaged or bent. Both a bad seal or bent gas cap can lead to the gas cap issues and may require a replacement from the original manufacturer.
What concerns can a loose gas cap cause, well a check engine light? A loose gas cap will not only let in dirt and grime, but it can also allow fuel vapors to escape. These vapors can trigger an error in the emissions system, which would light up the check engine light. Dirt that seeps into the gas tank could also contaminate the injectors. The biggest sign of a bad gas cap is the smell of gasoline in your car.
These days you might see no gas cap on new cars, but if your car, truck, or SUV wasn’t constructed with a capless gas tank, it is not recommended that you drive without a gas cap installed. If your car or truck is a little older, there’s a chance that fuel could slosh out from the gas tank during aggressive corners or other spirited driving. If you drive without a gas cap, it can lead to poor gas mileage because the gas could potentially evaporate without a fully-sealed fuel filler. The gasoline smell is the gas evaporating from your tank, which can cause reduced fuel economy.
If you’ve already inspected the gas cap, the problems you are having may be due to contaminated gasoline. If the car, truck, or SUV has difficulty starting, will not accelerate, or just isn’t running right, then you might just have contaminated gas.
If your vehicle just does not feel normal and you aren’t sure if it’s bad gasoline or a bad gas cap, bring it in, and our trained service technicians will diagnose the problem and help you fix the problem.
Sterling McCall Toyota is one of the best places to get vehicle repair in the Houston area. We proudly service all makes and models of vehicles. Visit our location online or in person to schedule service and repair for your car or truck. Our friendly technicians are ready to serve you.
