Locking fuel cap?

[Buckman]

On the Corolla although the fuel cap is behind the flap, it is a lockable fuel cap. On the Jeep it is a normal fuel cap behind the flap and I am wondering if worth while investing in a lockable fuel cap if I can find one to fit. It may delay them or they may simply puncture the fuel tank? Due to cost of fuel it is a valuable commodity now.

Back in the sixties when fuel was scarce, but not expensive, during the night I had fuel syphoned from my Zephyr which was full of fuel at the time. This was in another country where we had a fuel embargo and fuel was rationed so it was a real inconvenience.

Would you invest in a locking fuel cap or not bother if the fuel cap is behind a flap?

 

[RogerL]

Many cars have an "anti-syphon" system in the filler neck so a lockable filler cap would be of marginal benefit - I've heard that the modern method is to puncture the tank or cut the fuel line.

 

[otherclive]

On the Corolla although the fuel cap is behind the flap, it is a lockable fuel cap. On the Jeep it is a normal fuel cap behind the flap and I am wondering if worth while investing in a lockable fuel cap if I can find one to fit. It may delay them or they may simply puncture the fuel tank? Due to cost of fuel it is a valuable commodity now.

Back in the sixties when fuel was scarce, but not expensive, during the night I had fuel syphoned from my Zephyr which was full of fuel at the time. This was in another country where we had a fuel embargo and fuel was rationed so it was a real inconvenience.

Would you invest in a locking fuel cap or not bother if the fuel cap is behind a flap?

Isn’t your fuel flap locked as part of the central locking system.

My best man’s brother ran a Chevrolet Impala for two years and never to our knowledge bought fuel. Mum was a headteacher, Dad was a vicar. Guess all families have their black sheep.

 

[Buckman]

Many cars have an "anti-syphon" system in the filler neck so a lockable filler cap would be of marginal benefit - I've heard that the modern method is to puncture the tank or cut the fuel line.

I have no idea if the Jeep has anti syphon system, but the flap is lockable.

 

[audiorob]

Just googled ‘locking fuel cap’ and near the list top sites where you enter your reg to get a suitable recommendation. However 3 sites I tried with my reg found none suitable so that might be one way to see if such is possible on the Corolla.

 

[Buckman]

Just googled ‘locking fuel cap’ and near the list top sites where you enter your reg to get a suitable recommendation. However 3 sites I tried with my reg found none suitable so that might be one way to see if such is possible on the Corolla.

I already have one on the Corolla, but cannot source one for the Jeep. I am wondering if it is really worthwhile as generally over night the Jeep is parked outside our home or next to the caravan. However a full tank is probably about +£160 which is a concern.
Probably cheaper to repair the flap than to replace a fuel tank if they by pass the locking cap?

 

[Hutch]

I already have one on the Corolla, but cannot source one for the Jeep. I am wondering if it is really worthwhile as generally over night the Jeep is parked outside our home or next to the caravan. However a full tank is probably about +£160 which is a concern.
Probably cheaper to repair the flap than to replace a fuel tank if they by pass the locking cap?

If you are worried about the fuel theft, then only leave 1/3 of a tank of fuel in the car, and only fill it justt befor you go away.

 

[Buckman]

If you are worried about the fuel theft, then only leave 1/3 of a tank of fuel in the car, and only fill it justt befor you go away.

As we are several miles from the nearest fuel station, I fill up when we past rather than making a special trip. Unfortunately does not always coincide with us going away.

Also at present if you put in 10 litres today, it costs £18 but if you leave it until tomorrow it will cost you £20 and leaving it longer will cost you even more.

Catch 22!

 

[ProfJohnL]

On the Corolla although the fuel cap is behind the flap, it is a lockable fuel cap. On the Jeep it is a normal fuel cap behind the flap and I am wondering if worth while investing in a lockable fuel cap if I can find one to fit. It may delay them or they may simply puncture the fuel tank? Due to cost of fuel it is a valuable commodity now.

Back in the sixties when fuel was scarce, but not expensive, during the night I had fuel syphoned from my Zephyr which was full of fuel at the time. This was in another country where we had a fuel embargo and fuel was rationed so it was a real inconvenience.

Would you invest in a locking fuel cap or not bother if the fuel cap is behind a flap?

The UK MOT requires the fuel filler must be protected by a locking system. That either means a locking cap, or behind a lockable flap.

It also requires the filler must have the correct type of cap, so if you need to replace a filler cap you should only fit a cap that is approved for your vehicle.

If you concern is theft of fuel, then the locked flap over the filler is probably more secure than a filler cap with a lock, as locks can be picked, and a picked cap might not trigger the cars alarm, where as to pick the flap may need the thief to either gain entrance into the vehicle to release the flap or any attempt to force the flap might trigger motion sensing alarms.

 

[Buckman]

The UK MOT requires the fuel filler must be protected by a locking system. That either means a locking cap, or behind a lockable flap.

It also requires the filler must have the correct type of cap, so if you need to replace a filler cap you should only fit a cap that is approved for your vehicle.

If you concern is theft of fuel, then the locked flap over the filler is probably more secure than a filler cap with a lock, as locks can be picked, and a picked cap might not trigger the cars alarm, where as to pick the flap may need the thief to either gain entrance into the vehicle to release the flap or any attempt to force the flap might trigger motion sensing alarms.

TBH I have no idea if the alarm will trigger if someone forces the cap, but then who takes notice of a car alarm these days unless you are the owner The petrol cap on both cars can only be accessed through the locking flap so maybe I am over concerned?

 

[figbat]

...so maybe I am over concerned?

I think this is the answer!