Your Cars Gas Cap, Is It Really That Important?

Are you aware of the many different and important functions your car’s gas cap does for you?

A gas/fuel cap performs three very important functions

1.Safety
2. Fuel Economy
3.Reduces Harmful Emissions.

Safety
Many may not even think that vehicles gas cap could be a maintenance issue. Besides the safety concern of gasoline spilling out of a recently filled gas tank, gas caps can save a you a lot of money in fuel expenses if they are properly used and properly maintained and replaced when the cap is worn out.

This sometimes un-noticed part of a car’s fuel system can help raise the emissions of a car, which has a negative effect on your performance and gas mileage. Listen for a hiss when you loosen the gas cap. That means that it is fitting well, it hasn’t warped, and it is adequately sealing the tank.

Fuel Efficient
Gas caps are incredibly helpful with fuel efficiency. Helping to eliminate fumes and gas evaporation from the gas tank and polluting the air. Gas caps prevent water from damaging parts of the fuel system, along with stopping dirt and other contaminants from getting into the sensitive systems that make up a car’s vital performance.

Replacing a Gas Cap
Once you discover that the car’s gas cap needs to be replaced, you will need to determine what size you need to replace it with. Your car’s owner manual is helpful in determining the correct sized cap. Or, make a quick call to your local auto parts store or dealership. They will know what model and size gas cap you need for your car and probably have it in stock or they can order it for you.

All in the details
While this little part may be under-appreciated and often forgotten, a properly fitted gas cap will make a substantial difference in maintaining fuel efficiency. No doubt you will want to check your gas cap and determine how it fits the next time you fill up the tank. Listen for the hiss. Oh ya, did you put the gas cap back on? If you’re like me you’ve seen cars driving down the road with the cap hanging out of their car or even with no gas cap at all. It doesn’t take long to forget the little details.