Gas caps are put into place to ensure that gas won't leak out of your gas tank and foreign substances cannot get in. However, due to general wear and tear, gas caps can break off or stop functioning properly, which can seriously affect the performance of your vehicle. Thankfully, replacing a car's gas cap is a fairly simple process and can be completed in a few minutes with the right know-how and tools.
Finding a Replacement Gas Cap
You can find replacement gas caps at most automotive and auto body shops. Check your owner's manual to see if there are any recommended brands or models for your car. If not, simply look for a gas cap that will fit onto the make and model of your vehicle.
Before You Begin
The only tool that you will need for this job is a pair of needle nosed pliers, available at most hardware stores if you do not already have a pair at home.
Park the car on a level surface before you begin working on it. If the vehicle was just running, let it sit for a few minutes to cool down.
Installing the Replacement Gas Cap
- Unscrew the old gas cap from your vehicle. If there is a retention ring on your gas cap to prevent it from falling off, use the needle nosed pliers to either cut or pull off the retention ring and remove the old gas cap.
- If the replacement gas cap has one, slide the retention ring of the replacement gas cap over the fuel tank opening. Rotate the ring so that the cap is attached to the ring on the left side of the gas tank opening.
- Then, screw the cap counter clockwise into the opening until it clicks several times to ensure a secure seal.
- Turn on the vehicle and look to see if the check engine light is on. If it is, the gas cap may be loose. Check to see that it is properly secured, repeating any of the above steps as necessary, and then drive for a few minutes to see if the light turns off.
- If the light remains on, there may be an issue with another part of your vehicle, and you should have your car looked at by a professional mechanic, like those at Alaska Professional Auto.
- If the light turns off, you've successfully replaced your car's gas cap without any issues and can continue driving as normally.