Q: The car smells of gas, probably has a leak

asked by on May 24, 2016

Hi. I think my car is leaking gas somewhere. I can smell it on the outside of the vehicle. It comes through the vents of the AC. The smell is very noticeable if the car has been sitting for a while. I once smelt gas after the car was in the sun for over an hour. I haven't seen any leaks beneath the car anywhere. I took the car to the dealers. They were able to smell the gas but couldn't find the leak. They checked the welding and said it was fine. Other test they did on the car haven't shown any issue with the car. Could you give me some advice? It seems a bit unsafe to drive like this and nobody sees any issue. Thank you in advance.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I replace the front turn signal, parking light or side marker bulb?
Your car uses the same bulb for the front turn signal, parking light and side marker. Like the rest of the lights on your car, these will eventually burn out and need to be replaced. Here’s how to install a...
Car starts in On position
The most likely cause of this issue is a faulty ignition switch or lock cylinder. One of the tumblers may have fallen out of place causing a connection to the starter when there should not be. My best recommendation would...
Oil pressure light and the engine's max speed is 4000 rpm. After 2 days the car isn't starting anymore.
You have several problems and this makes things considerably more confusing. Jetta's are known for having challenges with their oil pressure light switches. The important thing to determine is that your motor has good oil pressure. The surest way to...
Car starts and runs perfectly for 3-4 minutes then stalls and won't restart for several hours.
Hi there. From the description you have provided, your vehicle's P0335 code is not being corrected by replacing components. Assuming, the replacement components are correct by application and of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) quality. It could be, the crankshaft reluctor...
New battery is being drained
This may be a sign of a weak battery, a failing voltage regulator or failing alternator. As you may know, the alternator is responsible for charging the battery while the engine runs by generating amperage and recharging the battery while...
No start problem on my 99 Dodge Ram diesel
Diesel engines rely heavily on glow plugs in cold weather. Diesel fuel tends to thicken in cold weather, so the glow plugs heat the combustion chambers as well as the fuel as it enters the combustion chambers. The Cummins engine...
My car shuts off when I turn on the light or even the turn signals please help need this car to get to work
Hi there. This type of electrical glitch can be very difficult to pinpoint or diagnose without a physical inspection. However, in general, the most common causes of this issue is an exposed electrical wire within the ignition system. It is...
Remote start stopped working and check engine light went on.
Hi there. The codes are referring that that both banks on the engine are reading a lean condition. For a lean condition to occur, the fuel system is not functioning properly. Check the fuel pump, fuel pump relay, and the...
location of bank 2 camshaft position sensor B on 2012 toyota tundra 4.6L
The camshaft position sensors on most engines are located directly below the valve cover within the cylinder head. This applies to both Bank 1 and bank 2.

Related articles

Can a Loose Gas Cap Let Gas Leak Out of the Fuel Tank?
The The short answer is: yes ... kind of. What escapes out of a loose or faulty gas cap is gas vapor. Gas vapor rises off of the pool of gasoline in the tank and hangs around in the air....
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Buick Regal eAssist
Although Although a lot changed about the Buick Regal in 2012, the addition of a hybrid model was definitely the biggest head turner. Whether you want to do your part for the environment or simply save at the pump, this...
How to Pump Gas the Right Way
Locating your fuel filler, pre-paying for fuel, choosing the correct fuel grade, and not topping off are helpful tips to pump fuel like a pro.