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Gas Caps have been left by the side of the road, abandoned on car roofs, and left on gas pumps. The life of a car's gas cap can be perilous one at best.
Most people don't realize how important these little pieces of vehicles’ really are especially in the the war on rising gas prices. Besides the safety concern of gasoline free flowing out of a recently filled gas tank, gas caps can save a car owner a lot of money in fuel expenses if they are properly used and then properly replaced when the cap becomes worn out. This often forgotten and neglected part of a car's fuel system is a feature that can help spike the emissions of a car which has a negative effect on the performance of the car.
The first thing you should do is to check the fit of the gas cap. You say you left it on the roof and lost it? The first step for you is to replace it then. Okay, let's go back to checking the fit. You should hear a hiss when you loosen the gas cap. That means that it is fitting well, hasn't warped, and is adequately sealing the tank. If not, it's time for a visit to the CarJunky auto parts store for a new one. (or your local shop would do)
You are probably wondering why this little detail is so important in terms of saving money at the gas pumps. When properly fitted and used (no more leaving it on the gas pump), gas caps are incredibly fuel efficient. They eliminate fumes and gas evaporation from escaping the gas tank and polluting the air.
Not to mention that the car will actually use this evaporation if it is left where it belongs. Gas tank caps also help protect the fuel system of the vehicle. They stop damaging water, dirt, and other contaminants from getting into the precision systems that make up a car's vital performance.
To recap, pun intended, gas caps keep gas and evaporations where they belong, protect the sensitive fuel system, and help reduce environmental concerns. Now, don't you feel bad for not seeing how important gas caps were before?
If you discover that your car's gas cap needs to be replaced, even though it may be tempting, a piece of cork won't do the trick. Check in your car's owner manual for the correct sized cap. If that doesn't have the information you are looking for, search for the answer on the Internet with a site such as CarJunky.com or make a quick call to the local auto parts store should be beneficial in the quest to replace the missing gas cap.
Failing all of that, call the dealership. They will know exactly what model and size gas cap you need for your car and probably have it in stock or can order it.
Every little detail that can make the hit at the gas pumps a little less painful is something that should be pursued. While under appreciated and often forgotten, a properly fitted gas tank cap will make a substantial difference in maintaining fuel efficiency.
Check the gas cap fit the next time you fill up the tank. Do you hear the hiss? Did you put the gas cap back on? It doesn't take long to take care of this tiny detail.