AN EXPERT mechanic has told motorists what they should do if they smell petrol while driving – the easy fix could save you thousands.
Scotty Kilmer took to his YouTube channel to explain the cause of the common issue.
YouTube / @scottykilmerExpert mechanic Scotty Kilmer revealed the most common cause of a petrol smell while driving[/caption]
YouTube / @scottykilmerMaking sure your fuel filler cap is in good order could save you thousands[/caption]
Scotty, who has over half a century of experience in the motors business, told viewers: “If your car smells of gasoline while you’re driving, don’t freak out…I’ll show you how you can fix it.”
He said that he often finds that the root cause of the smell is that the customer has simply forgotten to put their fuel filler cap back on after a stop at a petrol station.
Either that or the cap has stopped sealing properly due to general wear and tear, which can come with age.
Fortunately, this can be addressed cheaply and easily, with spare fuel caps readily available online.
The AA sells a universal cap for just £2.99 on Amazon, with free delivery and 30-day returns available.
Making sure your fuel filler cap is in good working order is vital as such a simple error could end up costing you thousands in the long run.
If your cap is loose or absent, dirt and debris could find its way into the fuel mixture.
You definitely don’t want things like grit or dust being pulled through the sensitive components that run your motor, especially things like the fuel injection system.
This could cause severe damage and leave you with hefty repair bills.
In extreme cases, a full engine replacement could be necessary, costing upwards of £1,000.
Even if you escape damage, a faulty cap can allow fuel to leak out, especially on severe bends and sharp turns, and let more air in.
This will significantly reduce your vehicles fuel economy and performance and mean you effectively pay more for less each time you fill up.
Scotty added that the strong smell can be indicative of leaks in the fuel injectors or fuel line but, fortunately, these are relatively cheap to replace, with prices not hitting above more than a couple of hundred pounds.
It comes after a £130,000 supercar was completely totalled after a devastating collision.
Meanwhile, drivers were warned about new “Ultra Cameras” that have now hit the UK’s roads.