Tips for a Healthy Fuel System

The fuel system is key to your car running smoothly. The fuel system fees the engine the gas/diesel it requires to run and if any part of the fuel system isn’t running properly it can lead to major problems.

The Fuel Sending Unit

This is where the fuel is help. The fuel reaches the tank via the filler tube. There is a sending unit that send information back to your gauge about the amount of fuel you have. If this sending unit stops functioning your will not get an accurate reading of how much fuel you have. If your fuel gauge stops working the problem will be either with the gauge itself or with the fuel sending unit.

The Fuel Pump

In the newer vehicles the fuel pump is almost always inside the fuel tank. On older vehicles it is attached to the engine or on the frame rail. If the fuel pump begins to malfunction your vehicle can stumble and run very rough. If the fuel pump fails your vehicle will not run. Most modern fuel pumps can be heard when you turn the ignition key on. If you do not hear the pump running and your car won’t start it could be your fuel pump.

Fuel Filter

A clean fuel filter is important to the performance of your engine and its life expectancy. Fuel injectors have very tiny openings that can quickly become clogged so the fuel filter stops these particles from getting through. If your vehicle has high mileage change the fuel filter annually. For new vehicles follow the manufacturer’s direction. Signs of a clogged fuel filter include sputtering at high speed or the engine not starting. This is the most common problem with the fuel system.

Fuel Injectors 

Since 1986 most domestic cars have been fuel injected. The fuel injector is a tiny electric valve, which is opened and closed by an electric signal. Dirty injector happen over time deposits sneak by the fuel filter. This can cause fuel injectors to stick open sending too much fuel to the engine or to become plugged sending to little fuel to the engine. The use of a regular fuel system cleaner helps to keep the injectors clean and can be purchased at auto stores, department stores, and most gas stations. Put it in your empty tank and then fill up. This will clean your injectors. Repeat every 3 months.

 Some Last Minute Fuel Tips

• Make sure you tighten your fuel cap.
• When your cap is lose or missing fuel will evaporate off, so make sure your cap is tight.
• Did you know if you park in the sun you will experience fuel loss due to evaporation, so park in the shade.
• Don’t bother topping off your fuel tank. When the automatic nozzle clicks off stop pumping otherwise it slops around and seeps out, which is a waste of your money.
• Properly inflated tires means better fuel mileage. Under-inflated tires means poorer fuel mileage.
 • Keep your engine tuned up. A properly tuned vehicle can boost your fuel mileage by about 5%. A misfiring spark plug can reduce your fuel efficiency by as much as 30%.