How to Detect a Fuel Leak in Your Car
If you smell gas inside your car, notice a drop in your fuel economy, or see a gas puddle under your fuel tank, your vehicle may have a gas leak.
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- How to detect a gas leak in your car
- Signs of a fuel leak
- How to fix leaking gas
- Is it safe to drive with a gas leak?
- Finding cheap car insurance to protect your vehicle
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
Leaking fuel can be extremely hazardous if not dealt with right away. To detect a gas leak in your car, look for signs like the smell of gasoline in your cabin, a substantial drop on your fuel gauge, or a gas puddle underneath your vehicle.
Have you ever driven around and suddenly the staggering smell of gas becomes all too apparent inside your vehicle? This could be a sign of a gas leak somewhere in your car’s fuel system. But it’s not always easy to determine where the leak is coming from.
While a gas leak could be as minor as a small hole in your gas tank that needs to be patched up, it might also be a serious cause for concern with deadly consequences.
That’s why
Jerry
, the car insurance
expert and trusted broker app
, has created this guide on how to detect a gas leak in your car. We’ll take a closer look at signs of a fuel leak, associated dangers, and steps for repairs.Don't get ripped off!
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How to detect a gas leak in your car
Gas leaks result in poor fuel economy. But more importantly, a leak in your fuel system can be incredibly dangerous, as gasoline is highly flammable. Worst-case scenario, it can even lead to a vehicle fire or explosion.
If you’re not a car expert, it’s not always easy to tell where a gas leak is coming from. So the best course of action is to take your vehicle in to get checked out by a professional.
There are many reasons why your vehicle may be leaking gas, including:
- Deteriorated fuel tank
- Compromised fuel line and hoses
- Use of fuel additives
- Excessive vibration
Signs of a fuel leak
If you suspect your vehicle has a gas leak, keep a close eye out for these vital signs below.
Strong smell of gas
One of the most obvious signs of a gas leak is the overwhelming smell of gasoline in your cabin. While the fuel system in your vehicle is not necessarily airtight, you should not be able to detect any gas fumes inside your car.
Whether you’re driving or parked, if it constantly smells like gas anytime you’re in your vehicle, this could be a sign that your car’s fuel tank is experiencing small leaks (or worse).
Fuel economy plummets
If you notice a huge drop in your fuel gauge—especially when you haven’t been driving—that’s another common sign of fuel line leaks or tank leaks. However, this might be difficult to determine unless you’re losing an excessive amount of gasoline.
Consider taking note of your gas gauge when you’re parked for the night and check it again in the morning to see if there’s a smaller amount of fuel in your gas tank.
Puddle of gas under your car
Another clear sign of a gas leak is a small puddle of gas underneath your fuel tank. It will usually be translucent, which makes it somewhat difficult to detect. And unless you park in the same spot every day, it may be hard to establish if the leak is coming directly from your vehicle.
If you’re uncertain, you can place something underneath your fuel tank, such as a piece of cardboard or newspaper, to see if any gas leaks on it below.
How to fix leaking gas
Unless you’re a highly skilled mechanic, don’t try to fix a gas leak yourself! If you suspect you have a gas leak in your vehicle, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible.
Considering that a gas leak is an enormous fire hazard, you’ll want a fully trained mechanic to tend to the issue to make sure the problem doesn’t get worse. A professional can pinpoint the exact cause of the leakage and will know how to perform the necessary repairs and replace the appropriate components, like fuel lines and seals.
Is it safe to drive with a gas leak?
While you can technically still drive your vehicle with a gas leak, it is absolutely not advised!
Remember, gasoline is highly flammable and could possibly lead to a fire or explosion.
Even a small droplet of fuel that lands on a hot component in your vehicle (like your engine or exhaust) could potentially ignite. In fact, gas leaks are one of the leading causes of vehicle fires!
If you notice a strong smell of gas, a sudden drop in your fuel gauge, or a gas puddle under your fuel tank, take your vehicle to a car repair shop or your dealership and have a professional mechanic fix your gas leak right away. This is important for your safety and the safety of others around you.
MORE:
How to track gas mileage
Finding cheap car insurance to protect your vehicle
While dealing with a gas leak in your car may be incredibly inconvenient, the sooner you fix the fuel leak and your car’s fuel system, the faster you can safely get back on the road.
But do you know what’s never inconvenient? Using
Jerry
to find cheap car insurance
with great coverage. Here’s how it works: just download the Jerry app and sign up for free to unlock a curated list of customized quotes sourced from top insurance providers nationwide. Once you find a better-priced policy with the coverage you need, Jerry’s team of expert agents will get to work switching you over while helping you cancel your old policy.
With Jerry, it’s all about saving you time and money. On average, Jerry users save over $800 a year on car insurance!
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Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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Can you drive a car with a gas leak?
No—it is not recommended to drive a car if it’s leaking fuel. Gasoline is highly flammable and may result in a vehicle fire or explosion.
What can cause a gas leak in a car?
Several things can lead to a gas leak in your vehicle, including a severely worn-out fuel tank, a leaking fuel line, a damaged gas cap, and more.
Can you fix a fuel leak yourself?
Unless you are a professional mechanic, you should avoid trying to fix a gas leak yourself as this may lead to further damage or cause a fire. If your car is leaking gas, play it safe and take it to a fully trained mechanic immediately.
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