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My car struggles to start after putting gas in—why?

When I fill the tank with gas and turn on the car, it sputters. Now my car struggles to start after putting gas in—why?

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Bonnie Stinson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If your car struggles to start after putting gas in there might be a problem with the fuel system, likely with the purge valve.
Sometimes, some dirt or debris gets into the system, making it difficult to start the car. Cleaning the fuel filter and checking the fuel pump can help.
However, the most common reason that a car sputters and struggles to start after putting gas in is a bad purge valve. Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection.
Here are a few other possible causes a mechanic may consider:
  • Faulty sensors and solenoids
  • Clogged fuel filter
  • Fuel pump issues
Of course, you may also have a weak battery but that doesn’t usually lead to sputtering.
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