Since all cars run on fuel, it’s a given that they all come with a tank to hold that fuel. The capacity and type of tank differ based on the make and model of your vehicle. Every driver should pay attention to certain points when it comes to their fuel tanks. If something is not right with the tank, it could affect the whole vehicle, and you might need to fix more than one thing at that point.
This is why you should only use the type of fuel the manufacturer recommends, however, you should still know everything about your tank and the fuel that goes into it so you can ensure that it’s the right type for your car.
Here are a few essential things that you need to keep in mind to avoid any future hassles or issues with your engine.
How Fuel Tanks Work?
When you fill your tank through the designated hole, it injects the fuel into the pump that will supply gas out of the tank to the fuel lines. Then, the metal lines run the fuel from the tank to the engine; and before it reaches the engine, it goes through a filter. This filter is responsible for removing any harmful components and debris in the fuel. However, there are some components the filter is unable to remove, which might start causing problems with the car engine. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the fuel is pure and doesn’t contain any debris or other harmful chemicals.
Difference Between Metal and Plastic Tanks
Knowing the types of fuel tanks that are used for cars in general and your car in specific, and learning the difference between them is essential for every car owner. You could have a tank that doesn’t match the type of fuel you’re using and in this case, you can end up harming your car. In the past, most cars had metal fuel tanks, but now, most of the tanks are plastic. Many people don’t prefer plastic tanks and feel that they are not as durable or strong when compared to metal tanks. Besides the standard metal tanks, the most famous types of fuel tanks are made out of polyethylene.
It was very common for older vehicles to harbor tanks made out of steel or aluminum. However, steel or aluminum material usually holds harmful chemicals inside the tanks on a long-term basis, which could affect your fuel and your car’s engine. Plastic high-density polyethylene is used more often nowadays. It’s safer and usually provides a larger capacity than metal tanks. If you want to replace your metal tank with a plastic one, you can buy a poly fuel tank here for longer durability at an economical cost. You can also get a portable poly tank for easier access. Unlike what most people think, polyethylene is less likely to explode during a crash. That’s mainly because it can withstand high temperatures of up to 110 degrees Celsius.
Inspect Your Tank Regularly
When visiting the mechanic, we check up on the brakes and tires to ensure they are functioning well and usually forget to check the fuel tank. When the fuel tank starts to have any issues, your car will not work properly. You most probably wouldn’t think that the tank could be causing the problem. If your tank is metal, it could rust and start to accumulate those harmful chemicals. If you have a poly tank, it could get damaged because of unpaved roads and starts leaking without you noticing. To avoid that, you should ask your mechanic to check it regularly and make sure it’s working fine.
Choose the Right Fuel
Every tank has its fuel and changing the type of fuel without consulting an expert might affect your vehicle’s performance and could cause dangerous problems. If you have an old car or the instruction manual doesn’t specify which type of fuel to use, you can contact the manufacturer and ask them about their recommendation. If you changed the tank and you’re not sure what type of fuel to use, ask your mechanic or the supplier you bought the tank from to ensure that you use the correct fuel.
The Tank’s Cap Plays an Important Role
If your tank’s cap is loose or worn out, you might start smelling gas whenever you operate your car, your fuel efficiency will decrease, and you might start seeing the engine lights come on more often. In most cases, you might think that there’s a leak while the cap is just loose or broken. A problem with the tank’s cap might allow water or dust to enter the tank and pollute the fuel. It will also allow the fuel to evaporate and you will be able to smell it while your vehicle is running. If you regularly smell gas while driving your car, check the tank’s cap and make sure to lock it properly. You should replace it if it’s broken and you’re unable to repair it.
A Fuel Tank Leak Could Be Dangerous
Many people ignore a fuel tank leak and tend to check it after they have arrived at their destination. However, by doing that, you’re putting your life in danger. A leak from your tank could cause a fire. If you smell gas while driving, pull over, and inspect your car. It could be the tank’s cap, or it could be a leak, either way, you have to check it immediately. If you see a fuel puddle or spots under your car before moving, contact your mechanic to check it and avoid operating the car.
Fuel tanks are more complicated than they seem. They need a professional mechanic to inspect them and to identify where the problem is coming from. If there’s a gas smell in your car, it’s recommended to stop the vehicle and check where it’s coming from or contact your mechanic to identify and repair the issue. If you have a metal tank and you’re considering changing it, consult an expert first. Not all plastic tanks are suitable. In some cases, metal tanks are more preferable. You should also double-check the fuel type that matches your tank to avoid any dangerous problems.