If your car won't start after refueling, it can be an extremely frustrating situation. You pop into the gas station, top off your tank, hop back into the driver's seat, turn the key - and nothing happens. It might take a few tries to get it to turn over, or your engine sputters instead of turning over at all.

This is a common problem that can have different causes. Most commonly, it's because of a stuck purge control valve. When this valve remains open, excess fuel vapor floods the engine and prevents it from starting. There are several other reasons why your car might not start after refueling, including a bad alternator or restricted fuel injectors. Those issues can also be fixed by a mechanic.

Another thing to keep in mind is that if your car won't start or struggles to turn over after you've filled it with gas, then the problem might be caused by a faulty fuel filter. This issue is most common in older cars, but it can happen to newer vehicles as well. It usually occurs because of a clogged fuel filter that is preventing proper oil flow to the engine. A mechanic can replace the fuel filter to fix this issue. In addition, you can try priming the fuel pump to bring in more air to help burn the fuel. This will also make it easier to start the vehicle. It's also a good idea to check the gas cap to make sure it's tight and properly sealed.