You’re headed down the highway on your way to your next destination, and your check engine light comes on. Upon closer inspection, there’s nothing really wrong with your car – but the light stays on anyways. Later on, your find out it’s your fuel cap, acting faulty for one reason or another. The odds are, you’ve been in this exact position at least once before. While they’re built to last, most stock standard fuel caps are prone to wear and tear, and stop working and sealing properly over time. However, when you need a replacement, don’t just pick up the first cap you come across. Instead, be sure you’re choosing a good, long-lasting replacement by checking out the following qualities:
Reliable Branding
It’s always tempting to get an off-brand cap to save a buck or two, but the truth is, it’s much more beneficial to get a branded cap. This is because if you do happen to encounter an issue down the road, there’s likely a warranty or other recourse you can take advantage of to remedy the issue without just buying another cap.
Regulations
If you’re in an area where annual emissions and inspections are required to keep your care registered, having the right standard fuel caps is an absolute must. Choose a cap that meets all federal requirements in order to ensure you’re not scrambling for a proper replacement when the time comes to get your tests done.
The Right Fit
A loose, leaky or otherwise poorly-fit fuel cap can result in over 30 gallons of evaporated fuel in a single year. This not only means you’re losing money from your gas tank but also that there are an additional 30 gallons of gasoline in the atmosphere. Ensure you’re getting a good, tight, vacuum-sealing cap to avoid this serious issue.
Following these guidelines helps ensure you’re spending your hard-earned cash on standard fuel caps that are really going to work for you, and that won’t be just a temporary replacement.
