I had a gas smell in the car for about a year every other month or so. It has been finally detected that it's the valve that openes up to the engine mulfunctions and has to be replaced.

Does the charcoal canister have to be replaced as well?
Will it function properly after being abused like that for a year?

Thanks
Victoria

It's very possible that you might need to have the charcoal canister replaced. Although there could also be a possibility that it won't be. I wouldn't risk it though, if you think that it's possible that it might need replaced, don't wing it. It could always lead to further malfunctions if neglected long enough.