How To Install a Locking Gas Cap

Gas caps can fail due to a number of reasons. A leaking fuel cap can lose you upwards of 2% of your gas from evaporation.

Gas caps get cranked on week after week, month after month, and year after year. They leak around their seals, the threads can become damaged, and the ratcheting mechanisms can fail — just to name a few of the most common issues. Most states have emissions testing standards that test the amount of evaporation coming from gas caps.

Severe leaks in the gas cap cause the fuel pump and engine to work harder than usual. The harder the engine works, the more exhaust fumes are sent into our environment, causing additional damage.

Use one of the following procedures to replace a failed or leaking gas cap on your vehicle.

Part 1 of 2: Install a locking gas cap

Material Needed

Step 1: Buy a locking gas cap. When upgrading or replacing a gas cap, purchase a locking cap for your vehicle. This type of fuel cap can be found at automotive stores or online.

Gas caps are necessary for proper gas tank function. If the fuel cap on your vehicle is missing or broken, replace it immediately. Fuel efficiency can vary depending on the quality and the seal on your gas cap.

gas cap leash connection to the vehicle body

Step 2: Secure the cap leash. Replacement caps often come with a “leash” or plastic ring that keeps the cap from being lost. Secure the cap leash with its peg on the vehicle side of the leash.

pressing new cap into place

Step 3: Press the new cap in place. Press the new cap flush against the fuel filler neck thread and rotate clockwise until it “clicks” into place. The audible click verifies that the cap is sealed.

  • Note: Never force anything into place on your vehicle. A new cap should screw easily into place without any serious resistance.

Step 4: Put the key into the gas cap. Insert the key into the gas cap and rotate it clockwise to engage the locking mechanism.

  • Note: Always test the gas cap and ensure that its locked. Most caps swivel and do not engage the threads while the cap is opened.

Part 2 of 2: Install a non-locking gas cap

Materials Needed

Step 1: Buy a replacement gas cap. Replacement gas caps can be found at automotive stores or online.

securing the gas cap leash

Step 2: Secure the cap leash. Replacement caps often come with a “leash” or plastic ring that keeps the cap from being lost. Secure the cap leash with its peg on the vehicle side of the leash.

Step 3: Press the new cap in place. Press the new cap flush against the fuel filler neck thread and rotate clockwise until it “clicks” into place. The audible click verifies that the cap is sealed.

  • Note: Never force anything into place on your vehicle. A new cap should screw easily into place without any serious resistance.

Gas caps are a critical part of your fuel system. If you need to replace the gas cap on your vehicle, buy a replacement gas cap with a lock. Replacing it is as simple as connecting it and screwing it in.

If you need assistance in replacing your gas cap, contact a professional mechanic, such as one from YourMechanic, to do it for you at your home or office.


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Recent Gas Cap Replacement reviews

Excellent Rating

(68)

Rating Summary
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Jay

38 years of experience
1035 reviews
Jay
38 years of experience
Volkswagen Passat L5-2.5L - Gas Cap - San Jacinto, California
Jay provided Great service, he was very Knowledgeable with issues regarding my car. Explained what he did, and recommendations of future services needed. Will definitely use jay again, and looking forward to booking him to service our other car. Thank you Jay
Mini Cooper - Gas Cap - Redlands, California
For a while it seemed that Jay had hit a "snag" but stuck with the problem and fixed it! I admire his "stick to itness."

Brian

24 years of experience
818 reviews
Brian
24 years of experience
Chrysler PT Cruiser L4-2.4L - Gas Cap - Jacksonville, Florida
Competent and kind. He understood my difficulties hearing and made adjustments so that I would understand what he had done and what would need to be done/checked in six months. I will ask for him again and I will recommend your company based upon Brian's professionalism.
Chrysler 200 - Gas Cap - Jacksonville, Florida
Brian listened to all the concerns I had with my car, he seemed very knowledgeable , and he also got the job done pretty quick.

Tinashe

14 years of experience
781 reviews
Tinashe
14 years of experience
Jeep Wrangler V6-3.8L - Gas Cap - Atlanta, Georgia
Tinashe was wonderful. He showed up early, fixed everything, gave me a few suggestions for one item that couldn't be fixed today. Will definitely request him again.

Tony

36 years of experience
79 reviews
Tony
36 years of experience
Toyota Tacoma L4-2.7L - Gas Cap - Atlanta, Georgia
Tony was prompt, professional, and saved me some money by trying the less expensive maintenance option first. Very happy with the service!

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