Smell of Fuel in or Around Your Car?
Find Out What’s Wrong

A leaking fuel injector or cracked fuel line allows raw fuel to escape — which is both a strong smell source and a fire hazard. A fuel smell that is strongest in the engine bay after driving indicates a fuel system leak. Any visible wet fuel around injectors or fuel lines needs immediate attention — do not drive the vehicle until the source is identified and repaired.

A loose, cracked or incorrectly fitted fuel cap allows fuel vapour to escape from the tank. The smell is typically strongest near the rear of the car after refuelling. A cracked fuel cap also triggers the evaporative emissions fault code and engine management light. Replacement fuel caps are inexpensive.

The EVAP system captures fuel vapour from the tank and routes it through a charcoal canister to be burned in the engine. A failed purge valve, cracked canister or split hose causes fuel vapour to escape — producing a fuel smell particularly when the car has been sitting in the sun. An engine management light is usually present.

A brief fuel smell immediately after starting a cold engine is normal on some vehicles — particularly those with direct injection. The engine runs rich on cold start and some unburned fuel vapour passes through the exhaust. If the smell disappears within a minute of the engine warming up it is likely normal cold-start behaviour.

Corrosion or physical damage to the fuel tank or filler neck can cause a fuel leak — particularly on older vehicles. A fuel smell from underneath the car that is present even when stationary indicates a tank or line leak. This is a serious fire hazard and the vehicle should not be driven until repaired.