How do I fix a car that smells like gas?

A car that smells like gas is a fire risk, so treat it as urgent.

Do this first

• Don’t smoke or use flames near the car.
• If the smell is strong, inside the cabin, or you see wet fuel, pull over, shut the engine off, and have it towed.

Quick things to check

1. Gas cap — tighten it until it clicks. Replace it if the seal is cracked or damaged.
2. Leaks underneath — look for wet spots near the tank and fuel lines.
3. Under the hood — check for leaks at fuel lines, the fuel rail, or injectors.
4. EVAP system — cracked hoses, a bad purge valve, or a damaged charcoal canister can cause fuel-vapor smells.
5. Engine running rich/misfiring — a fuel smell from the exhaust can point to spark plugs, ignition coils, or other engine issues.

Next step

• If the cap is fine and you don’t see an obvious leak, have a mechanic inspect the fuel and EVAP systems.
• If the check engine light is on, an OBD-II scan can help, especially for codes like P0440, P0442, or P0455.