These Basic Gas Cap Maintenance Tips Will Help Prevent Fuel Contamination

Even though we constantly think about the fuel powering our cars while on the road, hardly do we pay enough attention to the vessel that's supporting it. Make no mistake about it, your fuel tank and its many components are as vital to the functionality and performance of your vehicle as anything else. There are many things you should be doing to keep it safe, among them is taking good care of the gas cap.

Thanks to their simple construction and functionality, gas caps can be easily taken for granted. In fact, you may even be accustomed to seeing gas caps in poor shape and not give it much thought. Gas caps are the seal that keep the interior of the fuel tank and its contents from being in contact with the harmful containments of the outside world, which could lead to bigger problems if they do find their way into your tank. Additionally, they're important in maintaining fuel economy and efficiency by preventing the liquid gasoline from evaporating more rapidly. 

Every part of your car, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is key to its longevity, and it pays to take good care of them. This is no different for your gas cap. By practicing the following simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that your gas cap will remain safe for use and further add to the overall health of your vehicle.

Just as your car needs to be regularly washed, so should your gas cap and fuel door be kept properly cleaned. Some may be used to seeing gas caps caked with gunk and debris, but this is a harmful mindset to adopt. A filthy gas cap can be difficult to properly secure in place and increase the chances of harmful particles and debris being introduced into the fuel system. Keeping it clean is key to preventing such issues and avoiding costly repairs down the line. 

Thankfully, cleaning a gas cap isn't all that difficult, requiring similar materials and supplies as you would use to clean the rest of your vehicle. Starting off, you'll want to use a dry microfiber cloth and give the gas cap a good wipe down, ridding it of any extraneous debris. From there, you can apply warm soapy water to a second microfiber cloth or a soft bristle brush to more thoroughly scrub the component. Take special care to clean the threaded cap seal. This section is often what gets hit the hardest and is crucial to keep clean so that the cap can close correctly. The fuel door should also get a good wipe down to further cut down on residue buildup. 

Once everything's good and clean, use another microfiber to give everything a thorough drying. You also have the option of adding a seal protectant to the lid cap as a way of maintaining its strength.

While gas caps are made to be tough, they are just as prone to wear and tear as every other part of your car. Ignoring the condition of the gas cap can result in poor fuel efficiency and contamination, compromising your car's overall performance as a result. 

There are a number of indicators that can point towards an issue with your gas cap. If your car's check engine light comes on, an ill-fitting gas cap is a potential culprit. A loose connection will introduce oxygen into the fuel tank system and set off the check engine light, as this can become a hazard. Rapid evaporation of the fuel will also become apparent the longer your cap is left damaged. Your car will run out of gas at a rapid rate, which will become apparent as you find yourself making more trips to the gas station. You may even find yourself failing your emission tests, as these rely on the strength and security of your fuel tank system in order to pass. Any strong gasoline smells can also be a dangerous sign of fuel vapors entering the cabin due to a loose connection.

Prevention is the best way to avoid problems from arising. Handle your gas cap with care, never forcing it to tighten nor leaving it too loose. Many times, the cap itself will have printed instructions that tell you how many times it should be turned to ensure security. If you come across any abnormalities and find that your cap is damaged, don't wait to get it to a professional who can help fix the problem or get you a replacement.