4 Facts About Damaged Or Leaking Gas Tanks: Archer Volkswagen Maintenance Tips
If you think about it, the gas tank in your car is kind of an absurd invention -- a huge vessel that contains explosive material that you drag behind you at crazy-high speeds. While surrounded by hundreds of other people in their very own cars with huge fuel tanks. Thank goodness for modern safety engineering!
Modern fuel tanks are engineered for safety. However, if you smell gasoline coming from your car as you drive, you might have a fuel leak. That could create a very dangerous situation! On this page, we'll tell you four important things about damaged and leaking fuel tanks. If you suspect your fuel tank is damaged, be sure to have it looked at right away by trained professionals. All of us at Archer Volkswagen want everyone to stay safe as possible on today's hectic roads.
4. Can Sugar In The Gas Tank Really Damage My Car?
Potatoes in the tailpipe, sugar in the fuel tank -- what's with all these automotive saboteurs using foodstuffs to blow up innocent people's cars? Weird. Okay, anyway...
As it turns out, while it's not exactly harmless, adding sugar to your car's fuel tank probably won't destroy the engine. The rumor suggests that the sugar caramelizes and turns into a goop that causes your engine to seize up, destroying it permanently. But, because sugar doesn't dissolve in gasoline like it does in water, it'll mostly just settle to the bottom of the gas tank. While you may need a new fuel pump and/or fuel filter, the engine should survive without much damage.
3. The Gas Cap Matters
You might assume that you've got a leaking fuel tank if you can suddenly smell gas as you drive along. But before we blame the fuel tank, don't forget to check the gas cap. The gas cap is more than just a mere lid -- it actually seals the tank, to keep the fumes inside and maintain proper system pressure. If the gas cap is cracked or worn out and not sealing properly, you'll begin to smell gas. Follow your nose and get a new gas cap from our parts department if it leads you to fumes wafting up out of the fuel filler.
2. How Fuel Tank Damage Occurs
In general, a fuel tank is most likely to be damaged by one of two things: impact damage and rust. Of course, like all car parts, a fuel tank can corrode and rot over time, but that process will take a long time -- often longer than the whole life of the car. But, here in Houston where humidity contributes to rust formation, rust could eventually eat a hole in your car's fuel tank. It can also be damaged physically, like in a major accident, or by striking a curb or pothole.
1. What Should I Do To Repair My Gas Tank Leak?
As gasoline is highly flammable, we don't recommend driving a vehicle that's suffering a fuel leak. Instead, have your car towed to a trustworthy service center. If you need help finding a reliable towing company, just give our service center a call and we'll hook you up!
And if you're worried about a major repair bill, heed this warning: a small fuel leak can often be inexpensively patched. However, a major leak might mean having a new fuel tank installed -- a costly procedure. So, be sure to have a fuel leak inspected quickly before it gets any bigger.