Description
Fuel door won’t open Inspection
How this system works:
The fuel door is a tiny square door on the side of your vehicle. When you open the door, you’ll find the gas cap. Unscrew the gas cap, and you’ll have access to the gas tank, which is how you refuel your vehicle. The fuel door serves a few purposes. First, it looks much better than just an open fuel tank; the fuel door allows the car to continue its aesthetic. Second, and more importantly, the fuel door offers protection for the petrol cap. It also makes it that much harder for someone to poach the fuel in your car.
Common reasons for this to happen:
Most of the reasons for a fuel door that won’t open are relatively simple:
- Broken fuel door release: Some vehicles have releases for the fuel door. In these cars, you have to pull the fuel door release (usually a lever on the inside of the car, but sometimes a button on the keys), which opens the fuel door. If the release is broken, then pulling on it will do nothing, and your fuel door will be stuck closed. Most of the reasons for a fuel door that won’t open are relatively simple:
- Exterior damage near the fuel door: If your vehicle has recently been subject to exterior damage, it may have impacted the fuel door. If in the right location, even a small dent can squash the hinge of the fuel door and keep it from opening.
- Damaged fuel door hinge: Like all other doors, your fuel door relies on a hinge to help it open and close. If the fuel door hinge gets stuck, or the pin and bushings in it become too loose or too stiff, the fuel door may not be able to open or close.
What to expect:
A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to determine the cause of the fuel door that won’t open, and will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.
How it’s done:
A mechanic will thoroughly examine the fuel door to determine where the source of the problem is. If they can’t fix the door without opening it first, they will carefully use tools to pry the door open without further damaging the system. In most cases the fuel door can be repaired with relative ease.
How important is this service?
Your car needs petrol to run, and you can’t get fuel in the car if you can’t access the fuel cap, which is protected by the fuel door. This puts a limit on how many kilometres you can drive before your tank is empty. As such, you should get your fuel door inspected and repaired as soon as you notice that it is stuck closed.
