Car Fuel Cap FAQs

Opening and removing a fuel cap differs from car to car. The make and model of your vehicle and whether it has a petrol or diesel engine can mean that the fittings are different. 

To open the fuel cap, you might need to use your car key to unlock it, depending on if your existing fuel cap is locking or non-locking. For capless conversion systems that are fitted with the easy fuel system, there won’t be a fuel cap to contend with. Instead, the fuel door will need to be opened to find a fuel filler flap where you insert the nozzle of the fuel pump to fill your tank. 

The fittings are therefore removed in different ways. Some, like the quick twist, and external and internal screw types, will need to be unscrewed. Others, such as the bayonet type, will need to be detached from the corresponding components in the neck of the filler tube.

You can check out our cap fitment guide for more detailed information on each of the fittings and how they work.

Knowing when your fuel cap is broken is essential for ensuring your fuel performance is the best it can be and for making sure that you aren’t experiencing any leaks in the fuel system. 

Here are some tell-tale signs that you might have a faulty fuel cap:

• The ‘check engine’ or ‘check fuel cap’ light is lit up on your dashboard
• A strong smell of fuel around the cap, indicating a possible leak or damage to the seal
• Being unable to tighten the cap properly – the seal should be air-tight

If you notice any or all of these, then it could be a sign that moisture or debris have been able to get into the engine, causing the seal around the fuel cap to split. If this is the case, it means that your fuel cap may not be able to seal the fuel system properly. 

Checking your cap regularly is important not only for ensuring it isn’t damaged, but also for looking after your engine and preventing unwanted elements from being able to enter and cause internal deterioration.

Fuel caps are typically affordable to replace – and you can browse a vast range of options on our product page. 

At Vipa Car Parts, we pride ourselves on our excellent product knowledge so that you can have peace of mind in knowing that we provide only the highest quality products. We have a wide range of fuel caps available and can help you find the right one for your car.