Hey guys. A few days ago I noticed the cabin of my Fabia was absolutely stinking with a petrol smell. It actually gave me a sore head if I drove for more than 15 minutes.

I took it a mechanic who noticed the engine cover wasn't siting on rite. Apparently the engine cover on a fabia actually acts as a seal for the fuel cap and dip stick. I knocked it off when I was dipping the stick to check the oil and that has caused emissions coming directly from the engine (where you pour the oil in and also at the dipstick) to blow into the cabin.

Anyways, he says it could take a while (possibly a few days) for the smells to leave the system. 1 day later, it still hasn't so I'm wondering if there's anything I can do to speed this up. It's just quit annoying + passengers don't react well to a car that smells like petrol

I'm also listing this car for sale at the end of the month. A cabin that smells of fuel has got to be a negative :'(

As always, thanks guys.

I'm not surprised you were getting headaches - petrol is pretty volatile and can cause all kinds of respiratory problems and even brain damage if inhaled over prolonged periods. Good news is that the smell in your car will evaporate over time. You need to vent the car as much as possible though - at this time of year with the warm weather it should be easier than if it was cold and damp. If you have a garage leave the boot and windows open, you need the air circulating through the car. Drive with all the windows open. If you park in a secure car park at work, again try leaving a window or two open.

fabrezze? (however its spelt)

I'd remove the engine cover and use the spare oil cap which should be pushed in underneath the cover. Then chuck the cover in the bin, it's only there to look pretty.

I'd remove the engine cover and use the spare oil cap which should be pushed in underneath the cover. Then chuck the cover in the bin, it's only there to look pretty.

Hmmm. I need a replacement cap - cheers for reminding me! Hehe.