f your car is leaking gas when running, that can be an extremely critical situation. Not only can it cause you to dig deeper into your pockets for gas, but it can also result in serious damage to your car. Care to know why a car leaks gas only when running?
A few issues can be blamed for this problem namely; excessive shaking & vibrations, or even a bad gas cap, rubber seal, gas tank, and/or gas lines.
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Possible Causes
1. Excessive Shaking and Vibration
Excessive vibration is the #1 culprit for your car leaking gas while on the move. It causes this kind of leakage by shaking and knocking loose the gas, triggering it to spill and leak out of the fuel system.
A lot of things can cause a car to shake and vibrate when running. Electrical & mechanical problems, not to mention, driving recklessly over extremely rough and rocky terrains are just but a few.
2. A Ruptured or Holed Gas Tank
The gas tank plays an important role in the fuel system of a car. Usually found beneath the middle or rear of a car, it stores gas on board the car until it’s required by the engine.
Unfortunately, this component is prone to a myriad of issues including rupturing or developing holes. These holes can cause gasoline to leak, especially when the car is running due to shaking and vibrations.
3. A Loose Gas Cap
Like the tank, the gas cap plays a critical role in a vehicle’s fuel system. Normally located either on the left or right rear of a car, usually above one of the rear wheels, it serves to prevent fuel and fuel vapor leakage from the filler neck.
A loose gas cap can trigger fuel leakage especially when the car is running due to shakings and vibrations.
4. A Worn Rubber Seal Or O-Ring
The O-ring is another important component of a car’s fuel system. Its job is to cushion and seal(firmly) the gas tank, preventing gas leakage.
Like other components of your car, it can wear out due to natural wear and tear, abuse, or any other issue. Unfortunately, a worn-out rubber seal won’t do its job of preventing gas from leaking entirely effectively.
5. Leaking Gas Hoses and Lines
A car’s gas intake system is made up of a series of hoses or lines that help keep a constant supply of gas to the engine. Though constructed from durable materials, these lines are prone to developing tiny holes due to several causes.
Natural wear and tear, the elements, as well as exposure to heat from the engine’s exhaust or other components are just a few. Unfortunately, a holed gas line will cause your car to leak fuel more or so when you are driving due to shakings and vibrations.
How To Fix a Car That Leaks Gas?
Excessive shaking and vibration: Improve your shock absorbers. On average, this can cost between $60 and $ 900(inclusive of labor), depending on your car, the products you choose, the extent of the work done, and where you take your car.
A ruptured or holed gas tank: Replace the gas tank. Gas tank replacement usually costs between $1,329 and $1,479(inclusive of labor), on average. Again, it depends on your car, the products you choose, the extent of the work done, and where you take your car.
A loose gas cap: Replace the gas cap. On average, you can expect to pay between $97 and $102(inclusive of labor), again, depending on your car, the products you choose, the extent of the work done, and where you take your car.
A worn rubber seal or O-ring: Replace the rubber seal or ring. You can expect to pay between $37.68 and $152, again, depending on the products you choose, the extent of the work done, and where you take your car.
Leaking gas hoses and lines: Replace the lines. This should cost you approximately $200 to $420, again, depending on your car, the products you choose, the extent of the work done, and where you take your car.
Conclusion
Having a fuel intake system that leaks when the car is moving can be quite stressful and costly at the same time. However, if you know what’s causing the problem, it’s easy to resolve it once and for all.
Usually, it’s excessive shaking & vibration, a ruptured or holed gas tank, a loose gas cap, a worn rubber seal or O-ring, and leaking gas lines that are the biggest culprits.
