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Step 1
Immediately pull off the road if you smell gasoline while driving. Turn off the ignition and open the hood, as leaking fuel can ignite an engine fire.
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Step 2
Lift the hood and look for wet gasoline on the top of the engine near the spark plugs, fuel pump and fuel filter or fuel injector lines. Fuel lines usually leak in places where they are connected with a clamp or rubber hose.
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Step 3
Go to the rear of the vehicle and look underneath, along the fuel tank, if you don’t spot a problem under the hood. Again check for cracked or worn hoses. Also, look on the ground for signs of a leak. You may have to replace any hoses that appear to be damaged.
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Step 4
Examine the gas cap. If you need to replace it, experts recommend that you not purchase a "one size fits all" brand. Make certain you replace it with the correct cap for the specific make and model of your vehicle. Purchasing a low-quality generic could affect the emissions control system in your vehicle. Having the right gas cap also reduces the risk of fuel leaks by preventing the flow of fuel back out of the tank when a vehicle is involved in an accident, especially if it rolls over.
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Step 5
DO NOT restart your engine if you do find a possible fuel leak. Call for a tow truck instead. Have the vehicle checked out carefully by a mechanic before driving it again.
