Santa Fe BMW welcomes you to learn what the signs of a damaged gas cap are.
The first of many symptoms of bad gas caps is likely a gas cap that will not tighten completely or a loose gas cap. This may not seem important at first, but if you don’t have an air-tight seal then the entire fuel system can be contaminated with grime and dirt. If your gas cap is not fitting properly, check the seal to be sure it isn’t missing or brittle. If you own an older car or truck, be sure the metal gas cap isn’t bent or damaged. Both a bad seal or bent gas cap can contribute to the gas cap problems and may require buying a replacement from the manufacturer.
What concerns can an ill-fitting gas cap cause, well a check engine light for starters? A non-secure gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape, but it can also let in dirt and grime. These gasoline vapors can trigger errors in the emissions system, which could light up the check engine light. Dirt and Grime that gets into the fuel tank can also damage the injectors. The biggest indicator of a bad gas cap is the gasoline smell in your vehicle.
These days you could possibly see no gas cap on new cars, but if your vehicle wasn’t built with a capless fuel filler, you shouldn’t drive without a gas cap. If your vehicle is a little older, there is a chance that fuel could slosh out from the gas tank during aggressive cornering or enthusiastic driving. If you drive without a gas cap, it can lead to poor gas mileage because the fuel may evaporate without the correct seal on the gas tank. The smell is the fuel evaporating from the gas tank, which causes diminished gas mileage.
If you have already checked out the gas cap, the problems you’re having might be due to contaminated fuel. If your car has trouble starting, won’t accelerate, or just isn’t running correctly, then you might just have a bad tank of gas.
If your car, truck, or SUV doesn’t feel right and you aren’t sure if it’s bad fuel or just a bad gas cap, bring it on in, and our knowledgeable service technicians will diagnose the issue and give you options for fixing the problem.
Santa Fe BMW is one of the most trusted places for vehicle repair in the Santa Fe area. We happily service all vehicle makes and models. One of our factory-trained technicians will inspect your vehicle for any necessary repairs and suggest the best resolution for you and your vehicle. Schedule your BMW service in person or online today.
