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6 September 2024 Why does my car smell of petrol? Causes and how to get rid of petrol smell in car
Cars can produce all kinds of odours, like the smell of burning rubber or exhaust fumes. However, if you smell a strong petrol smell in your car, you should take it seriously as fuel is highly flammable. Luckily most causes of the smell are relatively simple to fix. Just make sure to get your car checked as soon as possible.
Why does my car smell of petrol?
There are several reasons that could explain why there’s a petrol smell in your car. The most common are generally related to fuel or vapour leaks. The possible causes are outlined below.
A loose, missing or defective fuel tank cap
If you forgot to put the fuel cap back on or if it’s loose or damaged, there is a possibility that the smell of fuel will reach the inside of your car. If detected, do not drive until the cap is tightened or replaced.
If left uncovered, the tank and fuel system will be vulnerable to contamination, i.e. dirt, dust and debris, potentially causing problems with the engine or clogging the filter. While car fuel filter prices are relatively affordable, it doesn’t make sense to increase your costs due to preventable faults. For more information, don’t miss this informative guide: What can a loose filler cap cause?
Leaky injectors
Another common culprit is a leaking fuel injector. Normally this is the result of a worn or damaged O-ring seal rather than damage to the injector body, allowing the fuel to escape.
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In addition to a smell of petrol in the car, symptoms may include increased fuel consumption, engine misfiring, rough idling, stalling, and hesitation or poor acceleration. Open up the bonnet and locate the injectors to inspect them for visual signs of damage or leaks.
Leaks in the fuel supply or EVAP system
Fuel leaks can occur over time as a result of pressure build ups, corrosion, loose seals, collision damage, and everyday wear and tear. One of the first things to check is the car fuel lines and their seals as they are more susceptible to damage and cracking than other parts. Make sure to replace them promptly with new car fuel pipes.
The EVAP system is responsible for regulating the emission of fuel vapours into the atmosphere. If there is damage to the hoses, seals, pressure sensor, charcoal canister, or purge valve, petrol vapours may be able to escape into or outside of the car. It is possible for the valve to get jammed open, allowing fumes to continuously leak out, for example.
Loose spark plugs
The components can cause a fuel odour inside the cabin for a couple of reasons. First of all, they let the fuel vapours escape from the combustion chambers. Second of all, they may not be working properly, leading to incomplete combustion of the petrol. This issue can be fixed by simply reinstalling or replacing the spark plugs.
Worn or contaminated spark plugs will need to be replaced. Make sure to find components with the exact dimensions as the original ones. If you don’t know where to find compatible car parts, simply search online using relevant keywords, i.e. BMW fuel pump, or enter the OE part number or your VIN.
A rich fuel-air mixture
If the smell is coming from the vehicle’s exhaust, it is a strong indication that the engine is running too rich. This means that too much petrol is being injected into the chambers or is leaking into the engine without being regulated. In this case, you may also notice excessive black exhaust smoke when the car is running.
For example, this can occur due to a malfunctioning fuel pressure regulator or a clogged fuel line, causing excessive pressure and a subsequently rich fuel-air mixture. The timing of the engine could also be off, preventing the fuel from being ignited efficiently.
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Why does my car smell of petrol when I start it?
If you can smell it after starting up the car, it is likely to be due to a leak in the fuel supply or injection system, a bad pressure regulator or a missing cap. If there is a petrol smell in the car when it is stationary, check for leaks or spills underneath the car and avoid driving it until the cause has been identified.
If the smell is particularly bad inside the car when the AC or heater is on, it is possible that the petrol fumes are being blown into the vehicle. It is not recommended to inhale these fumes for long periods of time as they can be hazardous to your health.
How to get rid of petrol smell in car
The simplest answer to this question is to identify what is causing it in the first place and get it fixed as soon as possible, and to clean up any spills. Leaving fuel leaks is harmful to your safety due to the high risk of a vehicle fire.
Once this is done, make sure to keep your car well ventilated to get rid of any remaining petrol odours. It may be helpful to clean the interior for a fresh, clean smell.
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