How to Fix a Frozen Gas Cap on a Car
by Chelsea HoffmanIf you live in a cold climate, and you find that the cap on your vehicle's gas tank is frozen and immovable, there are a few steps you can take to make defrosting the cap as simple as pie.
Step 1
Carefully pour warm water from around the cap of the gas tank, making sure to keep the stream of warm water steady and constant, so the ice around the cap will melt into a slushy consistency.
Step 2
Use the windshield scraper to scrape away the slush and ice that melts from around the gas cap. This should get rid of most of the ice that holds the cap closed.
Step 3
In colder climates, using water isn't good enough, so use a cordless hairdryer on the frozen gas cap will thaw the ice.
Step 4
Using your gloved hands, firmly twist the gas cap open, and chip away the remaining ice around the seal.
Step 5
To prevent future difficulties with ice and thawing, spray some nonstick cooking spray around the seal of the gas cap, and within the cap on the threading.
Tips
- Nonstick cooking spray works well in preventing ice.
Things You'll Need
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Cordless hairdryer
- Protective gloves
- Windshield scraper
Warnings
- Never overheat the area, as gasoline can ignite and cause injury.
Writer Bio
The author of such novels as “Planet Omega” and the romantic drama, “Chloe and Louis,” Chelsea Hoffman devotes her time to writing about a myriad of different topics like gardening, beauty, crafts, cooking and medical research. She's published with Dobegreen.Com, The Daily Glow and other websites, and maintains the site Beauty Made Fresh.
