Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas?
You're getting ready to leave for work when you notice something unusual.
Your car smells like gasoline.
Maybe the smell appears right after filling up at the gas station. Maybe you notice it while sitting at a stoplight. Or perhaps you walk into your garage and realize there's a strong fuel odor coming from your vehicle.
Whatever the situation, it's not something you should automatically ignore.
Gasoline has a distinctive smell, and while there are several possible explanations for that odor, some can indicate a serious safety problem.
A gasoline smell can be a warning sign of a fuel leak, a problem with the fuel system, or an issue involving fuel vapors.
Understanding what might be causing the smell can help you recognize when something needs attention.
Here's what drivers should know about gasoline odors, common causes, and what to do when their vehicle suddenly smells like fuel.
Is It Normal for a Car to Smell Like Gas?
A vehicle shouldn't regularly produce a noticeable gasoline smell inside the passenger compartment.
You might briefly notice fuel odors at a gas station because gasoline vapors are present during refueling.
However, a strong or persistent gasoline smell coming from your own vehicle is different.
Modern gasoline-powered vehicles are designed with sealed fuel systems and emissions-control equipment that help contain fuel and its vapors.
When those systems are functioning properly, you generally shouldn't smell gasoline during normal driving.
If the odor is strong, unexplained, or keeps returning, the vehicle should be inspected.
What Should You Do If Your Car Smells Like Gas?
Before trying to figure out exactly what's wrong, think about safety.
Gasoline and its vapors are flammable.
If you notice a strong gasoline smell while driving, safely pull over as soon as possible.
Turn off the engine.
Move yourself and passengers to a safe location away from traffic and the vehicle.
Avoid smoking, open flames, sparks, or other ignition sources.
Don't restart or continue driving a vehicle if you suspect a fuel leak.
Arrange professional assistance or towing.
If you see smoke, flames, or an immediate danger, contact emergency services.
The goal is to identify the problem without creating additional risk.
1. A Loose Gas Cap
One of the simpler possibilities involves the gas cap.
On vehicles equipped with a traditional gas cap, the cap helps seal the fuel system.
If it isn't properly secured, fuel vapors may escape.
A loose or damaged cap can also contribute to an evaporative-emissions system fault.
Possible signs include:
Gasoline odor near the fuel-filler area
Check engine light
Cap that doesn't tighten correctly
Damaged cap seal
Fuel smell after refueling
However, don't assume every gasoline smell is caused by the gas cap.
A fuel leak can be much more serious.
If the odor is strong or persistent, have the vehicle evaluated before driving again.
What If Your Vehicle Doesn't Have a Gas Cap?
Some newer vehicles use capless fuel-filler systems.
Instead of a traditional removable cap, the filler neck uses a sealing mechanism.
These systems are designed to help prevent fuel vapor from escaping.
But they can still develop problems.
Debris, damage, or a faulty sealing mechanism may interfere with proper operation.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for inspecting and maintaining a capless fuel system.
2. Fuel Leaks
A fuel leak is one of the most important possibilities to consider.
Your vehicle stores gasoline in a fuel tank and delivers it to the engine through a fuel system.
That system may include:
If fuel escapes from any part of the system, you may notice a gasoline smell.
Depending on the location and severity, the leak may also create visible wet spots or puddles.
A suspected gasoline leak is a reason to stop driving and arrange professional assistance.
What Causes Fuel Leaks?
Fuel-system components can deteriorate or become damaged over time.
Potential causes include:
Corrosion
Aging seals
Damaged fuel lines
Loose connections
Road debris
Impact damage
Improper repairs
Faulty components
Not every leak is easy to see.
Some leaks may only occur under certain operating conditions.
That's why professional diagnosis is important.
3. Damaged Fuel Lines
Fuel lines transport gasoline from the fuel tank toward the engine.
Depending on the vehicle, they may include metal tubing, flexible sections, and specialized connectors.
These components must safely contain fuel under the operating pressures of the system.
Over time, damage or deterioration can cause leaks.
Potential warning signs include a fuel odor, visible leakage, or engine-performance problems.
Never attempt to disconnect or loosen a pressurized fuel line to check for a leak.
Modern fuel systems can operate at substantial pressures.
4. A Leaking Fuel Injector
Fuel injectors deliver precisely controlled amounts of fuel to the engine.
Depending on the engine design, injectors may be mounted in the intake system or directly in the cylinder head.
Injectors rely on seals and connections to prevent fuel from escaping.
If a seal or injector connection develops a leak, gasoline odor may be noticeable near the engine.
Some injector problems can also affect engine operation.
Possible symptoms include:
Rough idle
Misfires
Hard starting
Poor fuel economy
Check engine light
Unusual fuel odor
These symptoms can have many causes, so proper testing is necessary.
5. Problems With the EVAP System
Modern gasoline vehicles use an evaporative-emissions control system, often called the EVAP system.
Its purpose is to prevent gasoline vapors from escaping freely into the atmosphere.
Gasoline naturally produces vapors, even when the vehicle isn't running.
Instead of allowing those vapors to escape, the EVAP system captures and stores them.
Under appropriate operating conditions, the engine can draw the stored vapors into the intake system to be burned.
What Components Are in the EVAP System?
Depending on the vehicle, components may include:
Charcoal canister
Purge valve
Vent valve
Fuel tank pressure sensor
Vapor lines
Fuel cap or filler seal
Other control components
A failure in one of these components can cause an emissions-related problem.
In some situations, it may also contribute to a gasoline odor.
6. A Damaged Charcoal Canister
The charcoal canister is part of the EVAP system.
It contains activated carbon designed to capture fuel vapors.
Over time, a canister may become damaged or saturated.
A damaged canister or connected vapor line can contribute to fuel odors.
The check engine light may also illuminate.
However, a gasoline smell alone isn't enough to determine that the charcoal canister is defective.
The system should be diagnosed before replacing parts.
7. A Faulty Purge Valve
The purge valve helps control when stored fuel vapors are introduced into the engine.
When the system operates correctly, this process happens automatically.
A malfunctioning purge valve can affect EVAP operation and sometimes engine behavior.
Possible symptoms include:
Check engine light
Rough idle
Hard starting after refueling
Fuel-system diagnostic trouble codes
In some cases, fuel odors
These symptoms can overlap with other problems.
A technician may use diagnostic equipment to determine whether the valve is functioning correctly.
8. A Fuel Tank Problem
The fuel tank stores gasoline until it's needed by the engine.
Fuel tanks are designed to withstand normal driving conditions, but they can still become damaged.
Possible issues include:
Cracks
Corrosion on applicable tanks
Impact damage
Damaged seals
Leaking connections
Problems around the fuel pump mounting area
A fuel leak near the tank may be especially noticeable around the rear of the vehicle.
If you suspect the tank is leaking, don't drive the vehicle.
Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas After Filling Up?
This is a common question.
A brief gasoline odor at a gas station may come from fuel vapors released during refueling.
However, a smell that continues after leaving the station may indicate a problem.
Possible explanations include:
The timing provides an important clue.
But a persistent smell should never be dismissed simply because you recently filled the tank.
9. Spilled Gasoline
Sometimes gasoline gets spilled during refueling.
It may splash onto the outside of the vehicle or surrounding pavement.
You may also accidentally track gasoline into the cabin on your shoes.
This can create a temporary smell.
However, don't automatically assume a strong odor is harmless.
If gasoline has spilled on clothing or inside the vehicle, avoid ignition sources and follow appropriate spill-cleanup precautions.
For a significant spill, seek professional help.
10. Overfilling the Gas Tank
Some drivers continue pumping gasoline after the nozzle automatically shuts off.
This is commonly called topping off the tank.
It's not a good habit.
Modern fuel systems are designed to manage fuel and vapor space.
Overfilling can interfere with that design and may allow liquid gasoline into parts of the vapor-control system.
It can also cause fuel to spill.
When the pump shuts off automatically, follow the fuel station and vehicle manufacturer's refueling instructions.
Why Topping Off Can Cause Problems
The EVAP system is designed primarily to manage fuel vapors.
It isn't intended to routinely collect liquid gasoline from an overfilled tank.
Repeated overfilling may damage components or interfere with normal operation.
The safest approach is simple.
Don't continue forcing extra gasoline into the tank after the pump has shut off.
11. Fuel-Filler Neck Problems
The fuel-filler neck connects the refueling opening to the fuel tank.
Depending on the vehicle, it may include metal or plastic components, seals, and vapor connections.
Damage or corrosion can create problems.
A leak near the filler neck may become more noticeable after refueling, especially when the tank is full.
If gasoline odor consistently appears after filling up, mention that pattern to the technician.
12. Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas When Parked?
If your vehicle smells like gasoline while parked, the odor may involve fuel or vapor escaping while the engine is off.
Possible causes include:
Fuel tank leak
Damaged fuel line
EVAP-system problem
Filler-neck issue
Spilled gasoline
Leaking seal
The odor may be particularly noticeable in an enclosed garage.
A vehicle with a suspected fuel leak should not be started or operated.
Keep people away from the affected area and seek professional assistance.
Is It Dangerous to Smell Gas in a Garage?
It can be.
Gasoline vapors are flammable, and an enclosed space can allow vapors to accumulate.
If you detect a strong gasoline odor in a garage, avoid starting vehicles or operating potential ignition sources.
Move to safety and contact emergency services if there is a strong vapor buildup, active leak, or immediate hazard.
Don't assume the smell will simply disappear on its own.
13. Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas When Starting?
A gasoline smell around startup can have several possible explanations.
Some engines may produce more noticeable exhaust odors during cold-start operation.
However, a strong raw-gasoline smell is not something to ignore.
Potential causes include:
Fuel leak
Fuel injector problem
Fuel vapor leak
Engine running excessively rich
Exhaust-related issues
If the odor is persistent or strong, stop using the vehicle and have it inspected.
What Does It Mean When an Engine Runs Rich?
An engine is described as running rich when it receives more fuel relative to the available air than intended.
Modern engine computers monitor and adjust the air-fuel mixture.
However, problems involving sensors, injectors, or other components can affect fuel delivery.
Possible symptoms include:
Poor fuel economy
Rough running
Check engine light
Dark exhaust smoke
Unusual exhaust odor
An overly rich fuel mixture is different from a physical gasoline leak, but both deserve attention.
14. Faulty Oxygen Sensors
Oxygen sensors help the engine computer monitor exhaust conditions and manage fuel delivery.
If a sensor or related system develops a problem, the engine may not regulate its air-fuel mixture correctly.
Possible symptoms include:
Check engine light
Reduced fuel efficiency
Poor engine performance
Emissions problems
Unusual exhaust characteristics
An oxygen-sensor problem doesn't automatically explain a raw gasoline smell.
Diagnosis should determine whether the issue involves exhaust, fuel delivery, or an actual leak.
15. Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas at Idle?
If the odor becomes noticeable while sitting at a stoplight, several possibilities exist.
For example:
Fuel vapor leak
Fuel leak near the engine
Exhaust-related problem
Rich-running condition
Outside fuel odors entering the cabin
The smell may become more noticeable while stopped because airflow around the vehicle changes.
If the odor is strong, pull over safely and shut off the engine.
16. Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas While Driving?
A gasoline odor while driving is especially concerning.
Airflow may carry fuel vapors toward the passenger compartment.
Possible causes include a leak in the fuel system or a problem involving vapor-control components.
Do not attempt to identify the exact source while continuing to drive.
Find a safe place to stop, shut off the engine, and arrange assistance.
17. Gasoline Smell Inside the Cabin
A fuel odor inside the passenger compartment deserves immediate attention.
Modern vehicles are designed to keep fuel and exhaust gases away from occupants.
If gasoline fumes enter the cabin, something may be wrong.
Possible explanations include:
Fuel leak
Vapor leak
Exhaust-related issue
Fuel spilled inside the vehicle
Outside fumes entering through ventilation
Because the cause may be hazardous, don't simply turn up the ventilation and continue driving.
Stop safely and have the vehicle evaluated.
Can Gasoline Fumes Make You Sick?
Yes.
Exposure to gasoline vapors can cause symptoms such as:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Eye irritation
Throat irritation
Other symptoms
The effects depend on exposure conditions and concentration.
If you experience symptoms while exposed to gasoline fumes, move to fresh air and seek medical advice.
Severe symptoms or a suspected dangerous exposure warrant emergency assistance.
18. Gasoline Smell vs. Exhaust Smell
Not every unusual vehicle odor is raw gasoline.
Some drivers describe strong exhaust odors as smelling like fuel.
An exhaust problem can also be dangerous.
Vehicle exhaust may contain carbon monoxide, which is colorless and odorless.
A gasoline smell doesn't reliably indicate whether carbon monoxide is present.
If exhaust fumes may be entering the passenger compartment, stop using the vehicle and have it inspected.
19. Why Does My Car Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
A rotten-egg odor is different from the smell of gasoline.
It can sometimes be associated with exhaust-system or catalytic-converter problems.
However, other sources are possible.
A persistent rotten-egg smell should be investigated, especially when accompanied by:
Check engine light
Poor engine performance
Unusual exhaust noise
Reduced fuel economy
Don't assume every strange smell is caused by the same component.
20. What Does Burning Oil Smell Like?
Burning oil has a different odor from gasoline.
Oil leaking onto hot engine or exhaust components may create a strong burning smell.
Possible causes include:
Valve-cover gasket leak
Oil spilled during maintenance
Damaged seals
Other oil leaks
Because oil and fuel leaks can both create fire hazards under certain conditions, unusual burning smells deserve attention.
21. What Does Coolant Smell Like?
Engine coolant often has a somewhat sweet smell.
If you notice a sweet odor, the cooling system may deserve inspection.
Possible signs include:
Low coolant
Visible coolant leak
Overheating
Steam
Heater problems
A sweet smell doesn't automatically confirm a coolant leak, but it provides another clue.
22. Can a Check Engine Light Be Related to Gas Smell?
Yes.
A check engine light can illuminate because of certain fuel-system or emissions-system problems.
For example, the vehicle may detect an EVAP leak.
Other possible causes include:
Fuel-delivery problems
Engine misfires
Air-fuel mixture issues
Sensor faults
However, a check engine light doesn't tell you exactly which component needs replacement.
A diagnostic scan can identify stored trouble codes.
Those codes help guide further testing.
What If the Check Engine Light Is Flashing?
A flashing check engine light can indicate a serious engine misfire that may damage the catalytic converter.
If the vehicle is running poorly, reduce speed, stop safely, and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
If there's also a strong gasoline smell, shut off the engine and arrange assistance.
Don't continue driving normally.
23. Can Bad Gasoline Cause a Fuel Smell?
Contaminated or degraded gasoline can create engine-performance problems.
However, bad gasoline and a gasoline leak are different issues.
Poor fuel quality may contribute to:
Hard starting
Rough idle
Misfires
Reduced performance
Check engine light
It doesn't automatically explain why raw gasoline fumes are escaping from the vehicle.
If you smell fuel, a leak or vapor-control problem must still be considered.
24. Can Cold Weather Make Gas Smells More Noticeable?
Cold weather changes how vehicles operate.
Engines may use different fuel-control strategies during cold starts.
The exhaust may smell stronger under certain conditions.
However, cold temperatures don't make a persistent raw gasoline odor safe or normal.
A fuel-system leak is still a safety concern in winter.
Why Fuel-System Maintenance Matters
The fuel system is essential to engine operation.
It stores, transports, and delivers gasoline under controlled conditions.
Over time, components may wear or deteriorate.
Regular maintenance and prompt attention to warning signs can help identify problems before they become more serious.
Follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule and address unusual odors promptly.
25. Can Fuel Leaks Affect Gas Mileage?
Yes.
If gasoline escapes from the fuel system, fuel is being lost rather than used by the engine.
However, not every fuel leak will cause an obvious change in fuel economy.
A small leak can still be dangerous.
Never use normal gas mileage as proof that the fuel system is safe.
Why Is My Gas Tank Emptying Faster?
If you're filling up more often than usual, there are many possible explanations.
These include:
Driving habits
Weather
Tire pressure
Engine problems
Vehicle load
Fuel-system problems
Changes in commute
A fuel leak is one possibility, but fuel economy alone isn't enough to diagnose it.
If reduced fuel economy occurs alongside a gasoline smell, seek an inspection.
26. Can a Car Smell Like Gas Without a Visible Leak?
Absolutely.
Not every fuel-system problem creates a puddle.
Some involve vapor rather than liquid fuel.
Others may only leak under specific operating conditions.
A leak may also be hidden behind shields or other components.
That's why the absence of a visible puddle doesn't prove that everything is fine.
How Do Mechanics Find Fuel Leaks?
Professional diagnosis depends on the vehicle and symptoms.
A technician may use:
Visual inspection
Fuel-pressure testing
Electronic diagnostic equipment
EVAP-system testing
Manufacturer service procedures
Approved leak-detection equipment
Fuel systems can operate under high pressure and contain flammable materials.
This isn't a good area for guesswork or unsafe DIY experiments.
What Is an EVAP Smoke Test?
An EVAP smoke test is a diagnostic procedure that can help identify leaks in the vehicle's vapor-control system.
Specialized equipment introduces approved test vapor into the system under controlled conditions.
A technician can then look for escaping vapor at damaged seals, hoses, or connections.
This can help locate problems that aren't obvious during a basic visual inspection.
The procedure should be performed with appropriate equipment and according to manufacturer instructions.
Can You Fix a Fuel Leak Yourself?
Fuel-system repairs can involve flammable liquids, vapors, and pressurized components.
Incorrect repairs can create serious hazards.
For that reason, suspected fuel leaks are best handled by qualified professionals.
Don't attempt to seal a fuel line with household tape, glue, or improvised materials.
Don't use an open flame to search for a leak.
And don't loosen fuel connections to see whether gasoline is present.
27. What Should You Tell Your Mechanic?
When reporting a gasoline smell, details can help.
For example:
"The smell started after I filled the tank."
"I notice it mostly when the car is parked."
"The odor is strongest near the rear of the vehicle."
"It smells like gas inside the cabin."
"The check engine light came on at the same time."
"The vehicle has been hard to start after refueling."
These details can help the technician determine where to begin.
28. What If the Smell Comes and Goes?
An intermittent gasoline smell still deserves attention.
Some fuel-system problems may only appear when:
The tank is full
The engine is running
The engine is warm
The vehicle is parked
The EVAP system performs certain operations
Fuel pressure changes
A smell that disappears temporarily isn't necessarily proof that the underlying problem is gone.
29. Can a Fuel Leak Cause a Fire?
Yes.
Gasoline is highly flammable.
If fuel or its vapors encounter an ignition source, a fire can occur.
Potential ignition sources include sparks, flames, and sufficiently hot surfaces.
That's why suspected gasoline leaks should be taken seriously.
If a leak is present, don't drive the vehicle.
Arrange professional assistance.
What Should You Do If You See Gasoline Under Your Car?
Don't touch or investigate the liquid unnecessarily.
Avoid ignition sources.
Keep people away from the affected area.
If the vehicle is running, shut it off when safe.
Don't restart it.
Contact roadside assistance or emergency services depending on the severity and location of the leak.
A visible gasoline leak isn't something to monitor while continuing your normal commute.
30. Why Does My Car Smell Like Gas After Repairs?
If the odor began immediately after fuel-system work, the repair area may deserve inspection.
Possible explanations include:
Residual spilled fuel
Improperly seated connection
Damaged seal
Fuel leak
Other related issues
Contact the repair facility and explain the situation.
If a fuel leak is suspected, don't drive the vehicle back to the shop.
Arrange a safe inspection or towing.
Gasoline Smells in Older Vehicles
Older vehicles may use different fuel-system designs and emissions-control equipment.
Some classic vehicles can have more noticeable fuel odors than modern vehicles.
However, age doesn't make an active fuel leak safe.
Even on an older vehicle, strong or persistent gasoline fumes should be investigated.
Can Newer Cars Develop Fuel Leaks?
Yes.
Modern fuel systems include advanced components and monitoring equipment, but failures can still occur.
A newer vehicle may experience:
Defective seal
Damaged fuel line
Faulty connection
Fuel tank issue
Component defect
Accident-related damage
The vehicle's age alone doesn't determine whether its fuel system is functioning correctly.
What About Fuel-System Recalls?
Certain vehicles may be recalled because of fuel-system defects.
Recalls can involve components such as fuel pumps, fuel lines, seals, or other equipment.
If you suspect a fuel-system problem, it's worth checking whether any applicable recalls are open for your vehicle.
You can search by VIN using the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's official recall lookup.
However, a recall search isn't a substitute for addressing an active fuel leak.
What Is a VIN?
VIN stands for Vehicle Identification Number.
It's a unique identifier assigned to your vehicle.
You can typically find it:
At the base of the windshield
On the driver's door-jamb label
On registration documents
On insurance paperwork
A VIN lookup can help identify manufacturer recalls applicable to your specific vehicle.
31. What Should You Check When Buying a Used Car?
When shopping for a pre-owned vehicle, pay attention to unusual odors.
A test drive gives you an opportunity to observe how the vehicle operates.
You can check for:
Unusual fuel smell
Check engine light
Rough idle
Hard starting
Visible leaks
Unusual exhaust odor
Poor acceleration
Other warning signs
If you notice a gasoline smell, don't continue the test drive.
Inform the dealership and have the vehicle evaluated.
Look Around the Vehicle Before Driving
During a normal walkaround, look for obvious signs of problems.
These may include:
Fluid puddles
Visible damage
Loose components
Warning lights
Unusual odors
You don't need to crawl underneath the vehicle or perform mechanical testing.
A basic inspection can still reveal useful information.
Pay Attention During Startup
When the engine starts, notice whether it runs smoothly.
Does it start normally?
Does it idle consistently?
Are any warning lights illuminated?
Do you notice a strong gasoline smell?
These observations can help you ask informed questions.
Why Maintenance Records Matter
A vehicle's maintenance history can provide useful context.
Records may show:
Fuel-system repairs
Emissions-system work
Previous diagnostic testing
Routine maintenance
Recall repairs
Other services
A documented repair doesn't automatically mean the vehicle is unreliable.
It may simply show that a problem was identified and addressed.
Is a Gas Smell Always an Expensive Repair?
Not necessarily.
The underlying cause could be a relatively simple component.
But it could also involve a more complicated fuel-system repair.
The important thing is not to assume the cause based on the smell alone.
Safety comes first.
A proper diagnosis helps determine what actually needs attention.
Don't Cover Up a Gas Smell With Air Freshener
Air fresheners can make a vehicle smell more pleasant.
They can't repair a fuel leak.
If your vehicle smells like gasoline, masking the odor may make it harder to notice changes.
Find the source of the smell rather than trying to cover it up.
Preventing Fuel-System Problems
Not every fuel-system failure is preventable.
However, good maintenance habits can help.
Follow the manufacturer's service schedule.
Avoid topping off the fuel tank.
Pay attention to warning lights.
Have unusual odors inspected.
Address visible leaks promptly.
Use the correct fuel specified for the vehicle.
And don't ignore symptoms simply because the vehicle still starts and drives.
Why This Matters for Indiana Drivers
Drivers throughout Northeast Indiana depend on their vehicles for daily transportation.
Whether you're commuting around Angola, traveling toward Fort Wayne, or heading across state lines, a reliable vehicle matters.
A fuel-system problem can interrupt your plans without much warning.
Recognizing a gasoline odor and responding appropriately can help protect you and your passengers.
Know the Difference Between a Normal Smell and a Warning Sign
You may occasionally notice gasoline odors while standing near a gas pump.
But a strong smell inside your vehicle, around your engine, or in your garage is a different situation.
Pay attention to when the smell occurs.
Is it only at the gas station?
Does it happen after every fill-up?
Does it appear while driving?
Is it strongest when parked?
Does it come with a check engine light?
Those details can help identify the problem.
But don't delay taking safety precautions while trying to determine the exact cause.
Find Your Next Vehicle at Auto Brokers II
When shopping for a vehicle, it's easy to focus on the features you want.
Maybe you're looking for a truck with plenty of space.
An SUV for your family.
A comfortable sedan for commuting.
Or something with all-wheel drive for Northeast Indiana winters.
But how a vehicle operates is just as important as how it looks.
At Auto Brokers II in Angola, shoppers can explore pre-owned cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers for different driving needs.
During your next vehicle search, pay attention to the details.
Ask questions.
Review available vehicle history and maintenance information.
Notice warning lights and unusual odors.
And if your current vehicle suddenly starts smelling like gasoline, don't automatically assume it's just the gas cap.
It could involve the fuel system, vapor-control components, or an actual leak.
The most important thing is to take the smell seriously, avoid driving if a fuel leak is suspected, and have the cause identified before the problem becomes dangerous.
A little attention to an unusual smell can make a major difference in keeping your vehicle safe and reliable.
