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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a fuel filler cap?
Where can I get my fuel filler cap replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my fuel filler cap?
What happens if I don’t replace my fuel filler cap?
What is a fuel filler cap?
Can I replace the fuel filler cap myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a fuel filler cap?

The average gas cap replacement cost is $34—parts cost an average of $23, while labor costs around $12. However, this is just an estimate—the exact cost to replace your fuel filler cap may vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model.

How long does it take to replace a fuel filler cap? A certified mechanic can replace your fuel filler cap in about 0.1 hours hours. It’s a process that involves installing a new cap on your gas tank. The mechanics will open the fuel access door to inspect the gas cap and fuel inlet tube. If it’s damaged or has failing seals, they’ll remove it and install a new one.

Here’s an overview of the fuel filler cap replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
April 23, 2024	Ellen, 26 Bloomington, IL	Ford Escape	$17	$9	$8	0.1 Hours
April 21, 2024	Lela, 29 Albuquerque, NM	Land Rover LR3	$20	$9	$11	0.1 Hours
April 18, 2024	Nancy, 33 Salem, OR	Mercury Montego	$21	$9	$12	0.1 Hours
April 18, 2024	Eliza, 35 Chaparral, NM	Porsche Macan	$23	$9	$14	0.1 Hours
April 18, 2024	Maud, 33 Salem, OR	Oldsmobile Bravada	$21	$9	$12	0.1 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for a fuel filler cap replacement and how much do those parts cost?

Whether your fuel filler cap was damaged or lost, replacing it is simple—and it’s usually the only part you’ll need to replace.

You may also need some basic tools, including:

Wrench set

Flashlight

Flat tip screwdriver

Fuel resistant gloves

Needle nose pliers

Safety glasses

Torques bit set

If you need to replace your gas cap, call an automotive body shop and explain your vehicle has a fuel filler cap problem. Describe any trouble with pressurization, re-screwing the cap, etc. Ask for a fuel filler cap replacement and note the make and model of your vehicle.

Replacing your fuel filler cap won’t cost you an arm and a leg—the average cost is between $13.10 and $16.01. However, labor costs can tack on quite a bit extra.

Keep in mind that if your vehicle is still under warranty from your dealership, the replacement may be covered. If you do need to purchase the part, we recommend going to a local auto parts store like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, or NAPA Auto Parts. For Fuel Filler caps, the three brands we recommend are Stant, ACDelco, and Motorcraft. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle’s specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy an OEM fuel filler cap for my car?

When it comes to replacing your gas cap, you have two options: OEM caps or aftermarket caps. Generally speaking, there’s not a huge difference between the two, but there are some advantages to buying an OEM fuel filler cap:

Proper dimensions and fitment for your vehicle make and model

Correct thread size

Made with high-quality materials

Proper seals that maintain vacuum

Although an OEM fuel filler cap may cost slightly more, you risk fewer problems. Plus, they’re widely available from auto parts stores like Advance Auto Parts, and dealerships, or online through sites like Amazon and RockAuto.

Are fuel filler caps universal?

Most fuel caps are designed for a universal fit—they will work for any car or SUV, but there may be some exceptions. Generally, fuel caps have a diameter of 55-57 mm or 58-60 mm, including the threads. Before buying a new fuel filler cap, check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to confirm the part number and sizing.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my fuel filler cap replaced?

Replacing your fuel filler cap isn’t difficult, but for non-car-savvy people who aren’t looking for a DIY project, finding an auto repair shop to do the job can be tricky, especially if you don’t have a trusted mechanic. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

makes things simple! You can compare repair service rates from over 2,500 reputable auto shops across the country in seconds.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates from repair shops using their actual hourly labor rate. You can also find out if you need to leave room in the budget for diagnostic fees and read actual reviews from real customers to help you choose the best service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare repair costs in your area.

189 Reviews

L&M Automotive Service Center

20622 Pascal Way Suite A, Mission Viejo, CA

Fuel Filler Cap Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$157

(Parts - $15, Labor - $142)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$80

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (949) 770-3265

154 Reviews

RepairSmith - Dallas / Fort Worth

Fuel Filler Cap Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$135

(Parts - $15, Labor - $120)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

138 Reviews

TNT Automotive Repair

6733 Baker Blvd C, Richland Hills, TX

Fuel Filler Cap Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$140

(Parts - $15, Labor - $125)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (817) 284-4333

136 Reviews

Dee's Shell and Auto Service

19 Beach St, Bloomfield, Newark, NJ

Fuel Filler Cap Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$110

(Parts - $15, Labor - $95)

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (973) 748-8873

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my fuel filler cap?

Replacing the fuel filler cap is a simple process that a mechanic can do quickly. If you need yours replaced, here are the steps a mechanic will take:

Open the fuel access door to inspect the gas cap and fuel inlet tube. Check the cap for cracks or failing seals.

If the cap is defective, the mechanic will remove it. Sometimes, it simply needs a good cleaning.

The mechanic will install a new fuel filler cap. The replacement cap must be a perfect match to the size of the original part, or else the seal will not work.

After installing the new part, your mechanic will close the access door and test for success.

What happens if I don’t replace my fuel filler cap?

While not changing or replacing your fuel filler cap isn’t likely to cause damage to your engine or cause a fuel leak, driving without one is not recommended. Most cars have a flapper valve to prevent fuel from leaking out of the tank, but the gap cap also protects against mud or dirt particles entering your gas, which can damage the engine if left open.

What is a fuel filler cap?

The fuel cap, also called the fuel filler cap or gas cap, is a small plastic or metal part that sits at the top of the gas tank and secures its entry. It’s designed to seal a vehicle's fuel tank to prevent fuel from evaporating or spilling out and keep contaminants, such as dirt and dust, out of the fuel tank. All of this helps to maintain the integrity of the fuel system and prevent engine damage. A tight seal on the gas cap also ensures the fuel tank can pressurize properly.

Depending on your vehicle's make and model, your fuel cap may have a locking mechanism, which requires a key or combination to open.

How do I know if my fuel filler cap needs replacing?

If you don’t notice any physical damage to your fuel filler cap, there are some common symptoms to keep an eye out that suggest it might need replacing:

Cap is not tightening properly

Fuel smell in the car

Check engine light illuminates

Threads on the cap are stripped

Gasket of the cap is split or missing

Cap has a crack

Inspecting your fuel filler cap regularly can help catch issues before they arise.

How often should you change your fuel filler cap?

Good news for drivers looking to

save money on car expenses

—you don’t have to change your fuel filler cap unless there’s a problem (it’s damaged or stolen).

While there’s no set interval for replacing your fuel filler cap, some mechanics suggest that the gap cap will last up to 50,000 miles before needing a replacement to prevent wearing and maintain a tight seal. But if properly cared for, it could last longer.

When servicing your car, ask your mechanic to inspect your fuel filler cap to ensure no damage.

Can I replace the fuel filler cap myself?

If you want to cut your car repair costs, consider changing your fuel filler cap at home. With a few simple tools, the replacement is easy. But if you’re not comfortable performing the replacement, call your local mechanic and leave the job to a professional.

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FAQs

Are all fuel filler caps the same?

No, not every fuel filler cap is the same! Depending on your vehicle's make and model, your gas cap could be slow-release or cap-less. However, the fuel filler caps for all types of cars are replaceable, but you’ll want to check your owner’s manual before buying a replacement to ensure it’s compatible with your vehicle.

How often should you replace your gas cap?

In most cases, you won’t need to replace your fuel filler cap unless you notice an issue; it’s not something with a set replacement interval. However, since the gap cap is used frequently, it may begin to wear and eventually need to be replaced. Most gas caps can last up to 50,000 miles, but some may last more or less depending on how often it’s used and how well it’s cared for.

Will a new gas cap improve gas mileage?

Yes, installing a new fuel tank cap can improve fuel economy, although likely only by a small amount. It’s estimated that more than 17% of vehicles on the road in the US have fuel filler caps that are damaged, loose, or missing altogether, leading to an estimated 147 million gallons of gas to vaporize every year. Plus, having a loose or improperly fitting cap in the fuel filler neck can reduce fuel efficiency by roughly 2.0 mpg and prevent you from passing your emissions testing.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.