I replaced my fuel cap only a couple of months ago with one of these (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Petrol-Fuel-Cap-Mitsubishi-Lancer-Magna-Verada-Challenger-Pajero-Express-NEW-/231072789022?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35cd02f21e) and the black part has snapped off, leaving the white part stuck in the car. I only have about 10L in the tank and no chance to get to a wreckers or anything until the weekend, so I plan on getting pliers or something to try and get it out, but just wondering if it's ok to drive without a cap for a few days until I get another one?

most servo's sell those stupid orange plastic caps for about $20.

The dangers of driving without a cap are; contamination of your fuel, higher rate of evaporation and if you have a prang - fuel leaking much faster than normal.

There would be a slight increase in the risk of fire, but you would need a few things to be 'just right' for that to happen.

I replaced my fuel cap only a couple of months ago with one of these (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Petrol-Fuel-Cap-Mitsubishi-Lancer-Magna-Verada-Challenger-Pajero-Express-NEW-/231072789022?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35cd02f21e) and the black part has snapped off, leaving the white part stuck in the car. I only have about 10L in the tank and no chance to get to a wreckers or anything until the weekend, so I plan on getting pliers or something to try and get it out, but just wondering if it's ok to drive without a cap for a few days until I get another one?


Replacement caps are available at places like Supercheap.

A few months back I rented a car from Avis. No fuel cap (noted on the pre-delivery checksheet), but they didn't seem to think it mattered. Even though I had to fill the car a couple of times, I didn't notice any fuel leaking down the side of the car due to cornering forces and the like. I suspect the flap inside the fuel pipe does a reasonable job of keeping the fuel from sloshing out.

I wouldnt do it.

The car will smell of fumes because the fuel wont be in an enclosed container. Any naked flame may set off an explosion or even a cigarette. Remember petrol is extremly volatile.

Also, it may evaporate out the tank if its not air tight

The car will smell of fumes because the fuel wont be in an enclosed container. Any naked flame may set off an explosion or even a cigarette
The car won't "smell of fumes" because the (missing) fuel cap is outside the car! As for the explosion, you couldn't even achieve that if you shoved a lit flare into the fuel tank - there's just not enough oxygen (even in a nominally empty tank). The most you could achieve would be a small fire around the fuel pipe.

By the sounds of it, you still have at least part of the old fuel cap in place.
I'd continue with your plan to remove it with pliers or something - but maybe leave it there until you get to a Petrol Station and do it there. Then buy one of the orange emergency fuel caps in the Petrol Station (most have them).


I replaced my fuel cap only a couple of months ago with one of these (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Petrol-Fuel-Cap-Mitsubishi-Lancer-Magna-Verada-Challenger-Pajero-Express-NEW-/231072789022?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35cd02f21e) and the black part has snapped off, leaving the white part stuck in the car. I only have about 10L in the tank and no chance to get to a wreckers or anything until the weekend, so I plan on getting pliers or something to try and get it out, but just wondering if it's ok to drive without a cap for a few days until I get another one?

You would most likely be defected if found not to have a petrol cap in place.