How important is my truck's purge hose? What does it do?

Question

The check engine light in my truck came on, and I took it to the dealer. They told me that my purge hose was split, and that it would be a few days before it would come in. They said that it was fine to drive, but I was wondering if it is ok to drive without, what exactly does it do?

Answer 1

It recover fuel vapors. You'll just be polluting the air a little more till you get it fixed. And breathing fumes. Best not smoke.

Answer 2

It sends the gas vapors to the charcoal cannister where they are absorbed instead of being released to the atmosphere.