PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
What does it mean when you smell gas while driving?
I was running errands this morning and I noticed a gas smell coming from my car. I put gas in my car yesterday, so it’s hard to imagine that’s the cause. What does it mean when my car smells like gas?
Kaitlin May · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Oh no! A gas smell isn’t just unpleasant—it can point to serious issues with your car. Although there could be several reasons for the gas smell in your car, the most common culprit could be a fuel system leak.
It’s a good idea to stop driving your vehicle once you notice the smell so you can begin assessing the reason behind it—which could be any of the following:
- A busy gas station can cause the smell to linger.
- A leak in your fuel system can trigger the smell.
- A faulty fuel pressure regulator can burn gas excessively and emit fumes.
If you just got a refill on fuel a few hours ago, I wouldn’t jump to conclusions about a mechanical issue. If the smell’s stuck around since yesterday, though, it’s time to evaluate the technical source of the odor.
A fuel system leak isn’t just hard to detect—it poses an immediate danger to you and your car. If you keep driving with a leaking fuel system, you risk an engine fire or worse. Take the car to a trusted mechanic for immediate repairs if you suspect a fuel leak.
Keeping your car safe before, during, and after a maintenance issue is essential for your health, your car’s longevity, and for keeping your
car insurance
rates low. Don’t wait until you’re caught in a tight spot to figure out if you have the amount of coverage you need.With the car insurance comparison and broker app
Jerry
, you can sign up in seconds and unlock access to rates from dozens of top insurance companies. Once you choose a policy with perks like roadside assistance
, Jerry will help you seamlessly switch over to a lower rate and even help cancel your old policy. With Jerry on their side, customers save an average of $887 per year!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies