What Is the Purpose of a Gas Cap?

A gas cap is an important part of a vehicle's gasoline tank. Although small in size and cheap in price, a gas cap provides a number of critical functions in regard to gasoline-tank safety and integrity.

  1. Seal Gas Tank Fumes

    • A gas cap prevents gas tank fumes from exiting a vehicle's gas tank. Gasoline vapors are known carcinogens that also contribute to poor air quality. A gas cap keeps these fumes and vapors safely contained within a gas tank.

    Protect Vehicle Fuel Supply

    • In order to protect a vehicle's fuel supply from outside contamination, it must be sealed off and contained within a gasoline tank. A gas cap seals off a vehicle's fuel supply and protects it from outside contaminants.

    Pressurize Gas Tank

    • A gas cap helps to keep a vehicle's gasoline supply under pressure, a pressure that helps gasoline to flow more easily out of the gas tank. Pressurized gasoline is picked up by a vehicle's fuel pump much easier than nonpressurized gasoline.

    Protect Gas Tank Inlet

    • A vehicle's gas tank inlet provides the entry point for incoming gasoline into a vehicle's gas tank. Any damage or upset to this gas tank inlet would compromise a gas tank's ability to be refueled. A gas cap protects this critical gas tank component.

    Prevent Gas Tank Corrosion

    • Any outside moisture that enters a gasoline tank increases the chance for gasoline tank rust and erosion, conditions that can seriously damage the integrity of a gasoline tank. A gas cap prevents outside moisture from entering a vehicle's gas tank.

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