Gas leaks in car occur when fuel leaks from your vehicle’s gas tank. You can identify a leak by checking under your car. If you notice spots of gasoline, accompanied by a strong smell, chances then you should address it immediately. Here’s how to do it…
How much will you Spend to Fix a Gas Leak?
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Repairing should be done by a professional and experienced mechanic. The entire task is easy and will cost anything between $60 and $120.
How to Identify a Gas Leak in Your Car
Identifying the specific leaking spot in your fuel system is somewhat challenging for newbies. Here are tips to ease the process.
Check for Possible Leaks
Elevate the car to create enough space for you to go beneath and pursue the fuel line, which traverses to your engine. With a flashlight, check for any specific areas with a collection of dirt and road grime. This could be a sign of a leaking spot. If there are any wet areas along the fuel line, then right there lies the leaking spot.
Use Fuel Additive
Sometimes, using a flashlight alone will do little to help you identify the fuel leak. If you’ve tried it in vain but still suspect a fuel leak, the best thing you can do is add a fuel additive which comes with dye in your car’s fuel tank and proceed to run the engine. This will push the dyed fuel down the fuel line after which you can utilize a black light to check the area along the fuel line. In this case, the fuel will be glowing under black light and this will help you identify the leak spot with ease.
Use a Fuel Detector
If you have difficulties identifying the leaking spot on your own, the best option is to take your car to the mechanic who’ll use a fuel detector to identify the leaking spot. The fuel detector checks for components which are present in the fuel.
Should You Continue Driving with a Gas Leak?
If you suspect a gas leak in your car, you need to contact a mechanic immediately and have the problem rectified. Here’s why you shouldn’t drive with a gas leak.
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Gas is Highly Flammable
It’s worth noting that gasoline is highly flammable. Failure to repair your gas leak, therefore, exposes you to the risk of fire. With a gas leak, all it can take to set off the fire is a small spark of fire. By repairing the leaking spot, you safeguard both your life and that of other road users.
Worn out Gas Tank
A gas leak could be an indication that your gas tank is either old, rotten and needs to replacement. If you notice a leak, contact your mechanic and have them inspect your vehicle tank thoroughly. They’ll let you know whether the tank needs to be replaced or it can continue functioning appropriately with some fixing.
Small Hole in the Gas Tank
Often, fuel leaks are caused by a small hole in the gas tank. If you notice a fuel leak and perhaps your gas tank is relatively new, chances are there’s a small hole in the tank which needs to be fixed without necessarily replacing the tank. Again you need to consult your mechanic as they’re in a better position to determine the magnitude of damage and recommend the best measures. If the tank can still work with some repairs, this will be an affordable solution.
Fuel Leaks are Toxic
A gas leak comes with a gasoline smell. You may want to remember that gasoline contains carbon monoxide, a chemical which can be dangerous for your health once inhaled. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause flu and cold-like symptoms as well as nausea and severe headaches. If you smell gasoline in your vehicle accompanied by the aforementioned symptoms, chances are you’re experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. In such a case, you’ll want to open all your vehicle windows to ventilate it and seek immediate medical attention.
Don’t Smoke inside the Car if You Suspect a Gas Leak
If you suspect a fuel leak and aren’t in a position to get it fixed immediately, you should be extra cautious to prevent fire. One of the steps you can do to reduce the risk of fire is by avoiding smoking while in the car.
Finally
If you suspect a gas leak, get it inspected immediately by a qualified mechanic. This way, you avoid the risk of fire. Further, you want to avoid anything that can trigger fire such as smoking or any sparks of fire. A gas leak may not have a big impact on vehicle handling but it still is a safety hazard. Protect your life and that of other road users by having fuel leaks repaired with immediate effect.
