Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas? This May Be The Reason

The modern cars we drive are impressive, robust feats of engineering. They're designed to stand up against harsh elements and years of demanding driving while creating immense amounts of power to propel us down the road. And although they're subject to wear and tear, they can be pretty good about letting us know when something is wrong. From built-in monitoring devices like the onboard diagnostics (OBD) system to the numerous engine noises cars can make, our vehicles help us notice problems and damage.

Strange smells, too, can be one of your car's ways of alerting you to a problem. It can create a lot of different odors, from a rotten egg smell to an AC that smells of vinegar to a gas or fuel aroma. While these smells can be irritating and unpleasant, it's important that you don't ignore them or simply cover them up with air fresheners. A gas smell, in particular, can be extremely worrisome, due not only to the health concerns that can come from breathing in fuel fumes, but also due to the increased risk of fires and other damage.

If you're wondering why your car may smell like gas and what you can do to fix it, stick around. While your car can smell like gas for a couple of reasons, most of the time it's due to a malfunction of its fuel system. We'll cover the most common issues and some potential fixes. Here's what you need to know.

One of the most common reasons your car might smell like gas is a malfunctioning or damaged fuel system. The fuel system comprises many parts, stretching from your fuel tank near the vehicle's rear to the fuel injectors or carburetor at the engine. In between, you'll find fuel lines, a fuel pump, and a filter. If your car smells like gas, it could be due to a leak along the way; the tricky part is often locating exactly where the damage lies. Potential culprits include things like worn-out fuel injectors or a leaky fuel line. However, if you're not experienced with cars and DIY repair, you may want to consider a professional inspection.

Besides a fuel leak or damaged fuel-system components, a few other issues can cause your car to smell like gas, including things as simple as forgetting to close your gas cap completely. Leaks or damage to the evaporative emissions control system can also create a gas odor. This system is designed to vent unburned fuel back through the engine to increase efficiency and cut down on emissions. However, if it becomes damaged, it can let fumes escape into your vehicle's cabin.

As mentioned, a gas smell inside your car is a serious problem and not something to take lightly. If you experience it, reach out to a reputable repair shop as soon as possible, especially if you're not experienced with working on automotive fuel systems.

Several of the conditions that can lead to a gas smell require professional attention, but that doesn't mean there's nothing you can do before visiting a repair shop. A bit of DIY diagnostic work can help you save a bit of cash, and may even help you fix the problem without needing to pay a professional.

One of the first things you should do is check your gas cap. If it's loose, installed incorrectly, or damaged, it may be the source of your problem. You can then try to reinstall it correctly, or you can visit your local auto parts store to grab a new one. Replacement gas caps are relatively cheap, generally costing $15 to $30. 

If your gas cap is in good condition and installed properly, move on to inspecting your fuel system. If possible, look beneath the car for signs of a fuel leak. That may translate to puddles of gasoline or obviously leaky fuel lines. You'll also want to inspect the fuel injectors in the engine bay. This does require a bit more automotive know-how than checking the gas cap, so it may not be ideal for car novices.

If you aren't able to find any leaks or you don't feel comfortable performing the inspection yourself, you should visit a professional. Fuel and emission-control-system repairs can be tricky, and if you're not experienced working on cars, you should hire a reputable mechanic.