Bob Howard Nissan welcomes you to learn what the symptoms of a malfunctioning gas cap are.
The most common symptom of bad gas caps is probably a gas cap that will not tighten completely or a gas cap that is loose. This may not seem important right away, but if you don’t have an air-tight seal then the fuel system can be exposed to grime and dirt. If the gas cap isn’t sealing properly, try checking the seal to be sure it’s not missing or brittle. If you drive an older vehicle, be sure the metal gas cap isn’t damaged or bent. Both can cause gas cap problems and might even require buying a replacement from the original manufacturer.
What issues can a non-secure gas cap cause? How about a check engine light just for starters? A non-secure gas cap will not only let fuel vapors escape, but it can also let in grime and dirt. These gasoline vapors can cause an error in the emissions system, which would cause the check engine light to illuminate. Dirt that gets into the gas tank can also contaminate the injectors over time. The biggest sign of a bad gas cap is the gasoline smell inside your car.
These days you might see no gas cap on new cars, but if your vehicle wasn’t made with a capless fuel tank, it’s not recommended that you drive without a gas cap installed. If your car or truck is a little older, there is a chance that gasoline could slosh out from the tank during aggressive cornering or spirited driving. Driving your vehicle without a gas cap could lead to diminished fuel economy because the gasoline may evaporate without a fully-sealed fuel filler. The gas smell is the gas evaporating from the fuel tank, causing diminished fuel efficiency.
If you’ve already looked at the gas cap, the problems you’re having might be due to bad gas. If your car has difficulty starting, won’t accelerate, or just is not running right, then it’s entirely possible you just have contaminated gas.
If your car, truck, or SUV doesn’t feel normal and you aren’t sure if it’s bad gasoline or just a bad gas cap, bring it in, and our knowledgeable service technicians will diagnose the problem and give you options for fixing the problem.
Bob Howard Nissan is one of the most trusted places for vehicle repair in the Oklahoma City 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 Nissan service in person or online today.
