Ever had your car's engine light come on? Who hasn’t, right? The first step is usually a call to the service shop to have it checked out. After a diagnosis, if you're lucky, the technician will say the problem is your gas cap.
What's up with that, you ask yourself? How can something that looks like a simple plug cause an engine warning?
If your engine light comes on because of the gas cap, it’s because its more than just a plug. Modern gas caps help seal the fuel tank, preventing harmful vapors from escaping, which reduces pollution.
They also maintain the right pressure in the fuel system, improving fuel efficiency. If the cap isn’t tightened properly or is damaged, it can cause a drop in pressure, triggering the engine light.
A modern gas cap has parts like a rubber seal that can wear out, and a pressure relief valve that helps control the tank’s pressure. If the seal cracks or the valve malfunctions, it can cause leaks or pressure issues, leading to the engine light turning on. Some gas caps also have a locking mechanism that can jam, preventing a proper seal.
We were curious, so we took a gas cap apart. Here’s the video.
It’s Your Gas Cap
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