Catch a whiff of gasoline in or around your car? That’s not nostalgia for old carb days — that’s unburnt fuel leaking, evaporating, or dumping where it shouldn’t.
Why It Happens
Modern cars are sealed tight. You should never smell raw fuel unless something’s wrong. It could be a leaky injector, cracked fuel line, bad gas cap, or evap system fault. Besides wasting fuel, it’s a fire hazard. Park in a garage with a leak? You’ve basically built a bomb.
Most Common Causes
- Loose or faulty gas cap – cheapest fix, often overlooked.
- Leaking fuel injector or rail – drips raw fuel under the hood.
- Cracked or corroded fuel line – especially on older cars.
- Evap system fault – charcoal canister, purge valve, or vent leak.
- Flooded engine – too much fuel dumped during starting.
What You Can Check
- Make sure the gas cap clicks tight and isn’t cracked.
- Pop the hood and sniff — raw fuel up front could be injectors or lines.
- Look under the car for wet spots or drips.
- If it’s strongest after filling up, suspect the evap system.
What a Mechanic Will Check
- Pressure-test fuel lines and injectors for leaks.
- Inspect gas cap and evap system components.
- Scan for evap leak or fuel trim codes.
- Check fuel pressure regulator and injectors for flooding.
Ballpark Repair Costs
- Gas cap: $20–$50.
- Fuel line repair: $150–$400.
- Injector replacement: $300–$600+.
- Evap system repairs: $200–$600.
When to Call It Quits
Raw fuel smell isn’t “wait and see.” Fire hazard, plain and simple. If you can smell it strong, don’t drive it. Get it checked — or risk watching your pride and joy go up in flames.
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Meet Northcap, a seasoned mechanic and roadside assistance expert with over 20 years of hands-on experience. At Rustyautos.com, Northcap shares exclusive insights into what really breaks down in cars, offering practical tips and real-world advice to keep drivers informed and their cars on the road.