Top 10 Best Locking Gas Caps (BUYING GUIDE 2022)
I’m sure you’ve seen it in an action thriller. There is a fast-paced car chase scene where the bad guys are running away from the good guys. But, due to a minor crash; there’s a leak in the gas tank. And before you know it – boom! The bad guy’s car has exploded into a massive fireball.
Although such car chases rarely happen in real life. Tank fires and explosions caused by leaky gas tanks can happen to anyone. Alongside that, with the ever-rising fuel price, fuel theft has been rising too.
This is precisely why this best locking gas cap review should interest you. They can ensure safety and save you money in the long run. Keep on reading to find out more about the ultimate benefits of using the locking fuel cap.
BEST OVERALL
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OUR RATING
BEST FOR VALUE
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IT IS ALSO GOOD
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Why Should I Replace My Fuel Gas Cap?
If your existing fuel cap is cracked, missing, bent, has a worn gasket, or has failed the emission test, then you need to replace it. May states in the US have a mandatory annual emission test.
Additionally, if you face vandalism or theft related to your gas tank, you should get a locking cap.
Factors To Consider When Purchase A Perfect Locking Gas Cap?
Now that you’ve had a look at some of the best locking gas caps available let’s hit the buyer’s guide. You need to consider some aspects before you settle on a model to get. They are explained in this section.
1. Locking Mechanism
The whole reason you would want a locking gas cap is for the locking mechanism, right? You need to check reviews to see if the lock system works smoothly with no hassle and if it’s as convenient as possible. Short keys may be a potential inconvenience.
After all, you will be locking and unlocking this cap quite regularly so the easier it is to use, the better.
2. Auto-Lock
Some fuel caps can lock automatically when you put it in place, while others do not. If this is a feature you require then make sure the lock cap model you are considering has auto-lock.
3. Double Use
The MotoRad caps on this list can double as a locking and non-locking cap. This can be useful for people who want to lock their tanks in specific places or time, but not all the time.
4. Keyed-alike
For multiple car owners, it is easier to carry the same key for all of their gas lock caps. Some brands such as Stant offer this service.
5. Build Quality
Try to get a cap that meets or surpasses the OEM-build criteria. You would not want a flimsy, easy to break lock fuel cap, would you?
Poor quality gas caps defeat the purpose of having a locking cap. For high security locking gas caps, excellent build materials & quality is a must.
6. Saving the Environment
Did you know that some gas caps are made to keep emissions and fuel vapors inside the gas tank so prevent air pollution? Pretty neat, right?
With gasoline particles destroying the environment, we all need to be conscious about how we can reduce, if not prevent our negative impact on mother nature.
And with a gas cap certified to help the environment, you can be a conscious citizen too.
7. Style
While almost all fuel caps come in a standard black color. You can also find some colored variants in the market.
Many jeeps do not have a gas cap cover, so getting a cap that matches or complements the look of your car would be amazing.
8. Price
It is worth investing in a good fuel cap instead of getting the cheapest variety you can. In fact, if you do decide to get a slightly more pricey and high-quality one, the fuel cap will pay for itself within just a few months by saving you fuel money.
Good quality caps can save as much as 30 gallons of fuel in a year.
Cheaper fuel caps aren’t recommended
Besides, cheaper fuel caps are not very long-lasting at all so you might find yourself needing to buy a replacement every once in a while.
This may amount to you ultimately spending more on a bunch of cheap gas caps instead of getting just one higher-priced good quality item.
The Locking mechanism
Furthermore, the locking mechanism and additional safety features are lacking in inexpensive fuel caps. They are easy to break; not very effective to prevent vandalism or fuel theft.
So, don’t be afraid to pay a couple of dollars more. Trust me, it’s more than worth it.
Our Top 10 Best Locking Gas Caps Review
According to FEMA, there have been 171,500 estimated highway vehicle fires in the US from 2014 to 2016. A good fuel tank cap will ensure such tragedies don’t happen to your vehicle.
01. ACDelco 12F20L Professional Locking Fuel Tank Cap
ACDelco is a global industry leader in automotive replacement parts backed by none other tha n General Motors; a brand you have definitely heard about. This alone speaks volumes about the quality you will receive from this 12F20L gas lock for a car.
The first thing that you notice about this product is the premium feel. It comes in the standard color black which means it will fit cars of all types and colors with no problem.
No Excuse for Quality and Satisfaction
ACDelco places quality and satisfaction above everything else – which is why this fuel cap is made of high-grade steel, plastic, and rubber. You will get the durability you expect from a brand like this.
The thing I personally liked the most about this gas lock cap is the versatility it offers you. This baby has been made to fit a wide range of vehicles which is something you won’t easily find in most fuel caps.
On Top of That,
the manufacturer really made sure that the fit is right for everyone. It has been made to meet, or even exceed rigorous quality requirements.
This fuel cap is vented, which means it will vent air into the gas tank line in small amounts. The benefit of this mechanism is that the pressure inside the gas tank and the outside will always be balanced.
Expanding or Evaporating
This is pretty neat because gas has a tendency of expanding or evaporating naturally; changing the pressure.
As a cherry on top of all these great features, you will be getting 2 keys with it. So, you’ll always have a backup key in case of an emergency.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Has a threaded cap
- Made with high-quality materials to ensure durability
- Will meet your expectations regarding fit, function, and form
- Hassle-free easy installation
- Vented fuel cap
02. Stant 10508 Locking Fuel Cap
This is a brand whose name is sure to pop up if you go through a list of best locking gas caps. Stant has perfected & specialized in the manufacturing & designing process of locking caps so you can expect great things from this product.
If your vehicle is ever involved in an impact, the gas fuel tank may collapse. Such a situation is very dangerous as the gas vapor inside the tank may change pressure due to the sudden impact. This may result in a bursting and worst-case scenario, catching fire.
The OE pressure
You would be delighted to know that the OE pressure relief has been designed in this lockable gas cap to combat this exact problem should it ever arise. It will ensure that any extra pressure will be released through the cap before any disaster happens.
Vapor management will be top-notch with the 10508 model thanks to the OE vacuum relief. This feature will make sure any gas vapor does not escape the tube during normal use.
It will also let airflow inside the tank in case of vapor recovery.
Safe yourself in case of accidents
Stant really went the extra mile to keep you as safe as possible in case of accidents. The “Lost Motion” feature is made to maintain a seal while handling turns.
Moreover, the “Breakaway Groove”’ ensures the cap stays sealed during a crash even if the cap gets broken.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- OEM quality materials & constructions
- Can save up to 2 gallons of gas every month
- Key operated
- Quick-on cam type
- OE Pressure relief ensures safety during sudden impact
- OE Vacuum relief prevents fuel loss and ensures good vapor management
03. Gates 31836 Fuel Tank Cap
Our third pick comes all the way from China; so you can expect quality at an affordable price. Gates prioritize continuous R & D to keep exceeding expectations; so rest assured this product will outperform industry standards.
Do you care about having a cleaner environment? If the answer is yes, then this product should be a great fit for you. It has an emission control venting system designed to reduce air pollution caused by fuel gases.
You will get a special ecological cap that is equipped with a venting valve system.
Prevent the Evaporated Fuel
Additionally, the system will prevent any evaporated fuel of the car from escaping the tank. It is also EEC directive no. 70/221 compliant.
This product is made with a thermoplastic compound that gives you a tight & secure closing. No spills and leakages are allowed even in case of a crash or impact.
The tight lock cannot tamper with no matter how hard you try; so fuel thieves will be having bad luck with this. Make sure to not lose the key!
How Easy to Install?
Installation is as easy as can be with the Gates 31836. You simply have to swap the existing gas cap with this one. Keep turning the cap right until you hear a click and voila! It’s on, no special instructions are needed.
One Issue is Here
One issue some of the users face with this locking fuel cap is that the key sometimes tends to get stuck in the keyhole. Unlocking it is not the smoothest experience out there.
But for the price, I don’t really expect it to be spectacular at everything. It serves the main purpose quite well, so I like it!
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Versatile fit for many vehicles
- Exceptionally durable
- Thermoplastic
- Wear-resistant
- Secure fix
04. Stant 10504 Locking Fuel Cap
Coming up 4th is another high security locking gas cap from Stant. The fuel caps from this brand are not the most versatile, which is why there are a few different entries from Stant on this list. You will get the same spectacular performance from each of them; just with different sizes.
We have all dealt with losing keys at least once in our lives. It’s no fun; especially when you really need to unlock something.
Two Keys for Use
Lucky for you, this product comes with two keys. You can easily keep one with your car keys and another one on the dashboard for backup.
As you know already, Stant specializes in the safety of their gas tank locks. The technology their fuel caps have for safety is unmatched by any other manufacturer.
The “Lost Motion” and “Breakaway Groove”
This one is no different. Aside from the “Lost Motion” and “Breakaway Groove” feature this cap also has a “Torque Override” feature. This aids in the incorrect installation of the fuel cap.
It achieves that by making an audible click sound when the cap has been properly compressed.
Lost gas and leaked vapors
Say bye-bye to lost gas and leaked vapors with this remarkable model. There is no room for gas theft, accidental explosions, or environmental pollution when you have the Stant 10504 with you.
As I have mentioned already,
Stant caps are not very versatile so always make sure you have the correct model that is sure to fit your car otherwise you will be disappointed.
Many consumers have faced this exact same issue because they didn’t check properly. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Emission control
- Comes with 2 keys
- Has “Breakaway Groove”, and “Torque Override” feature
- Threaded
05. Gates 31844 Locking Fuel Cap
This is another brand you will be seeing quite a bit on our list because they do a phenomenal job at making fuel gas caps.
Despite having many noteworthy features, a fuel cap is not worth it if it doesn’t fit. This is why Gates focuses on the perfect fit first and foremost.
The material and build of this fuel cap are top-notches so you will get the perfect tight fit you expect without any hassle.
The Lock System
One area where the manufacturer could have improved is the lock system itself. Don’t panic – it’s perfectly functional but slightly inconvenient regardless. The user has to fumble around to know which way is correct. When inserting the key, there is no mark indicating it.
And when the user does insert the key successfully, they have to make sure it really is locked. It’s not simply ‘turn the key right and it is locked’.
Accustomed to the mechanism
However, I’ve found that you get accustomed to the mechanism and it is not a bother anymore after a while. Nevertheless, such small mistakes can make or break a product.
That being said, if you are on the market for a product that can last you for a long time, this one’s for you. It’s dependable, environment friendly, wear & resistant, and fits perfectly.
The best part? It looks and feels premium, too! What more could you ask for?
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Optimum fit
- Water-resistant
- Wear & tear resistant
- Thermoplast
- Quick-on cam type
- Pressure vacuum vent
06. MotoRad MGC795 Locking Fuel Cap
Did you know that an ineffective or missing fuel cap can result in evaporation of up to 114 liters or 30 gallons of fuel in the atmosphere in a year? This should not be a concern to you anymore because MotoRad offers a great fuel cap to prevent it altogether.
Locking fuel caps is not always necessary; especially if you live in a nice neighborhood with no theft records and nice kids who do not tamper with people’s cars.
Even so, despite not needing one, some people may find themselves in a situation where they want to lock the cap.
If you fall into that category, then you are in luck. You do not need to buy two fuel caps (one that locks, one that doesn’t) for your specific uses. This MotoRad fuel cap can function as both a locking type and a non-locking type.
People with smaller hands often have to struggle a bit with fuel lock caps. This cap has been made to be very easy to lock and unlock – even for smaller hands. Grapple no more!
Follow the Industry-standard
MotoRad fuel caps follow the industry-standard venting system. Along with that, you also get a cohesive ratchet system for good closure as well as the elimination of over-torquing the cap.
Overall, this is a very high security locking gas cap.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- OEM quality build materials
- Can work as both locking and non-locking fuel caps
- Prevents fuel from flowing from the tank filler neck
- Proper venting & sealing
- Complies with all state and federal emissions standards
07. Stant 10524 Locking Fuel Cap
If you really care about the locking mechanism of a gas cap, then look no further than this Stant 10524. It’s been a favorite of people for exceptionally high safety and builds.
One feature that can be surprisingly handy about this product is the “keyed-alike” versions offered by Stant.
What does ‘keyed alike’ mean, you ask?
Well, it basically means that you can get more than one Stant locked gas cap that unlocks with the same key.
It could be very convenient for people who own more than one car and would rather not carry a separate key for each of their gas caps. If you want to use this feature, contact Stant’s customer care to learn further.
Fits 2010 Ford Car
This particular model of the gas cap fits some 2010 Ford car lines. Some of these cars had a persistent problem of asking the user to check the ‘fuel inlet door’, even though nothing was wrong with the inlet.
Several users turned to this gas cap for help – and it delivered!
How Easy to Install?
Installing this fuel cap and then driving around a few miles solved this issue for most of the people who had resorted to the 10524 for this particular issue. This shows how great of a fit this fuel cap gives.
Installation and use are as smooth & easy as ever with the “Torque Override” feature. And no matter what, you can expect superior safety features from Stant.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Simple, easy to use construction
- Non-vented
- OEM-quality construction
- Keyed-alike versions available
- OE pressure & vacuum relief
08. Gates 31842 Fuel Tank Cap
Our 8th pick is a fuel cap that can automatically lock for ease of use; which sets it apart from the rest on this list.
Let’s get the best feature out of the way first. When you are using a gas cap on a regular basis, making sure the cap is locked every time after use can quickly become an annoyance.
Furthermore, you may sometimes even forget to check which may lead to theft, vandalism, leakage, or even accidents.
The Auto-lock Feature
This is why I liked the auto-lock feature on this one despite it being a very small function. With this, you do not need to check the cap every time. It also saves time and increases mental peace.
One thing Gates takes seriously when making their products is environmental concerns. 31842 is no different. It is an ecological cap that is very environmentally friendly.
Just like the previous Gates cap,
this is also EEC directive 70/221 compliant. Even if you get into an accident, there will be no leakage. This fuel gas cap is also urea corrosion resistant. It comes in two different venting types – vented and non vented.
The type you should use depends on your fuel tank. If your fuel tank has ventilation through its filler neck, I’d recommend the non vented type for you.
For non ventilated fuel tanks,
you must make sure the gas cap is vented. The Gates ones have a special breathing valve that can stand in place of vents.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Vacuum only venting
- Quick on cam type
- Available in both vented and non-vented options
- Has an ecological cap
- Resistant to urea corrosion
- Comes with a safety valve
09. Stant 10591D Diesel Locking Fuel Cap
By now you should not be surprised to see the name Stant come up over and over again. They make some of the very best in the market and are definitely worth a shot.
You can expect all the safety features and fuel leak prevention as the other Stant caps with this one. What sets it apart is that it is colored green; which indicates ‘diesel-only’. That means you cannot attach this fuel cap to gas tanks; it is meant for diesel tanks only.
An Expensive Problem
What it does is prevent people from mistakenly putting petrol or gas in the diesel tank which is a very common as well as expensive problem. This cap makes sure it never happens again.
The consumers are very happy about this attribute of the product.
How Easy to Install?
Installing this cap is not the easiest. So, carefully follow the instructions by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you may get a bit frustrated with the installation process. Additionally, unlocking gets tricky if you have put the key on a key ring.
The key itself works fine & smooth. No complaints there.
The plastic and Diesel tanks
It does a great job of staying in place. The plastic is quite robust; so it will likely not break during accidents or impacts. This is super important especially for a car with diesel tanks.
Spilled diesel is very dangerous as well as harmful to the environment.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Pressure vacuum venting
- Multiple safety features such as pressure relief and venting
- Easy installation because of “Torque Override”
- Non vented
- Threaded
- Diesel only
10. MotoRad MGC804 Locking Fuel Cap
We are ending this list with another product from MotoRad that does its job brilliantly. If you are on the market for a vented, non-tethered gas cap, then this one’s for you.
When testing this one out, I found that this one has no actual flaw at all. It does everything it is supposed to do without a hitch. The lock mechanism is functional and does not get stuck like some models I have tried before.
OEM quality materials
The cap has been made following OEM quality materials and OE safety standards. This means you can be assured that it won’t break under any circumstances unless you are on a mission to break it that is.
It will also hold the fuel inside securely, so you do not have to deal with spillage.
With gas caps, there have been instances where a product’s description says it will fit a certain type of car. But then when you order it, it does not. That must be pretty disappointing.
However, with this MGC804 high security locking gas cap, you can be sure that it will fit great. Many users have sworn by it.
Slight Learning Curve
This product, however, has a slight learning curve to it. It may be a bit tricky to know how to lock and unlock it on your few initial uses.
Once you get the hang of it, though, you will be happy with the purchase.
HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES
- Follows OE safety standards
- Can function as both locking and non-locking cap
- Durable, stable materials that ensure proper venting & sealing
- Vented
- No tethering
Comparisons Of The Locking Gas Caps
Products Name | Quality | Price | Venting | Weight (ounce) | Dimension (inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ACDelco 12F20L | A+ | $ | Vented | 3.84 | 3.5 x 3.2 x 3.2 |
Stant 10508 | A | $ | Emission Control | 3.84 | 3.5 x 3 x 3.5 |
Gates 31836 | A+ | $ | Emission Control | 3 | 2.91 x 1.78 x 2.61 |
Stant 10504 | A | $ | Emission Control | 3.84 | 4 x 4 x 3 |
Gates 31844 | A | $ | Pressure Vacuum | 2.39 | 2.68 x 1.56 x 2.53 |
MotoRad MGC795 | A- | $$$ | Non-Vented | 4.8 | 2.84 x 2.84 x 2.15 |
Stant 10524 | A+ | $$ | Non-Vented | 2.08 | 2.75 x 2.75 x 2.75 |
Gates 31842 | A+ | $ | Vacuum only; Both Vented and Non Vented versions available | 2.84 | 3.6 x 3 x 3.6 |
Stant 10591D | A+ | $ | Non-Vented | 4 | 3.8 x 3.1 x 3.6 |
MotoRad MGC804 | A | $$ | Vented | 0.8 | 3.2 x 3.2 x 3 |
FAQs Regarding Locking Gas Caps
Q. Are modern fuel caps vented?
Since the 1960s, fuel caps are not completely vented anymore. Modern gas caps usually contain valves instead.
Q. Why do fuel caps have partial venting?
If the fuel pump of your car is mechanical, then the suction in the tank will stop the flow of fuel without vents. Electric pump cars can use either one.
Q. Can I get more than one locking gas caps that can be unlocked by the same key?
Keyed-alike locking gas caps are also offered by some manufacturers, as stated before. Contact the manufacturer you want to buy from to know if they offer it.
Q. Do fuel caps self-lock when putting back in?
Depends on the model; but generally, they don’t. You need to manually lock and unlock every time you open the cap.
Q. What if I want extra keys for my locking gas cap?
Many manufacturers offer the option to order additional keys. Contact the customer service to see if you do.
Final Words
We have finally come to the end of this article. With so many options, it can get pretty tricky to choose the best locking gas cap for yourself.
I urge you to go through the buyer’s guide first and decide which factors are important to you. Then, go through the review to find your perfect pick.
Happy shopping!
