How To Tell If Your Fuel Cap Is Failing
Under normal circumstances, the fuel cap on your Subaru should last the lifetime of the vehicle. Sometimes that doesn't happen, though. A fuel cap may fail in several different ways. For instance:
- The rubber seal may wear out
- It can crack
- The ratcheting mechanism that prevents over-tightening may break
Whether your Subaru fuel cap's not opening or it's too loose, it's best to replace it as soon as possible.
What Happens When Your Fuel Cap Fails
Your Subaru's fuel tank has a fuel cap for several important reasons, as outlined in another blog post. When your fuel cap fails, several issues may arise. For instance:
- Fuel will evaporate from the fuel tank. The fumes will pollute the environment. The loss of fuel will also take a toll on your Subaru's fuel economy.
- Fuel may spill out of the gas tank if your vehicle makes any sudden movements or leans too much in the direction where the tank is. For example, sharp turns or hard braking.
- The fuel can get contaminated from moisture entering the tank. This may very well kill the fuel pump and lead to complete fuel system failure.
- The check engine light may come on, indicating an emissions control system issue. In some places, that must be repaired before you can re-register your vehicle.
These problems may lead to an expensive repair bill. The fuel cap may seem like a simple part, but it's a very important part for keeping the fuel system clean and sealed.
The good news is that there are some obvious telltale signs of a failing fuel cap.
Signs Of A Failing Fuel Cap
The telltale signs of a failing fuel cap are as follows:
- Strong fuel smell inside the vehicle or immediately outside of the vehicle
- Check engine light coming on
- Various error codes related to emissions
What To Look For When Inspecting Your Fuel Cap
It's good practice to check the fuel cap whenever you fuel up your Subaru. Whether you notice the signs of a failing fuel cap or you're doing a routine inspection, look for:
- Brittle or broken rubber seal
- Any visible cracks or corrosion on the fuel cap
- Unable to tighten snugly
Looking For A Subaru Gas Cap Replacement?
At SubaruPartsPlus.com, you can get a genuine OEM replacement fuel cap at wholesale pricing. We have a catalog of OEM fuel caps, which you can find here. Here are some of our best sellers:
- Subaru fuel cap for select 2004-2006 models (link)
- Subaru fuel cap for select 2003-2005 models (link)
- Subaru fuel cap retainer for 2004-2021 models (link)
Do you need help finding a replacement fuel cap for your Subaru model? You're welcome to contact us. We're always happy to help.