Fuel is the lifeblood of your car, no matter how fancy it is. No fuel, and you’re not going anywhere, fast. That’s why it’s important to understand how the three big parts of your car’s fuel system work together, so that if you develop problems, you know what’s happening. Eurotech Auto Service & Repair cautions that problems with just one of these parts of the fuel system can affect your car’s performance.
1. Dirty or Clogged Fuel Injectors
The fuel injectors make sure that just the right amount of gasoline enters the combustion chamber to mix with air before the spark plugs do their job. Fuel additives work to keep fuel as clean as possible, but it does still form carbon buildup on the injectors. After enough time, they can clog. Also, sediment that makes it past the fuel filter can clog up the fuel injectors. Regular cleaning helps to protect engine performance.
2. Clogged Fuel Filter
All cars have a fuel filter that is the key to getting as much dirt, sediment, and gunk out of the fuel before it hits the engine. Fuel filters are not completely infallible, though. If there’s a lot of sediment and other stuff in the gasoline, that is going to clog up the fuel filter a lot more quickly. Once that happens, there is a lot less gas that makes it into the engine, which is going to throw off the air to fuel mixture. Performance suffers, and that’s something you’ll definitely notice.
3. Broken Fuel Pump
The fuel pump itself is what gets the gasoline from your car’s gas tank to the fuel filter and ultimately to the fuel injectors. If the fuel pump isn’t working properly, there’s no gas moving through the fuel lines and you’re not going anywhere. One of the best ways to keep your fuel pump working properly is to avoid running your car consistently low on gasoline. The fuel pump can draw in air, which can make it malfunction. Is your car overheating but the radiator is fine? Your fuel pump might be to blame.
Keeping your car running at its best means making sure it’s got the fuel it needs. If you suspect that one or more parts of your fuel system aren’t working properly, we can help. Contact us at Eurotech Auto Service & Repair in Fort Myers, FL, and make an appointment. We’ll inspect the entire fuel system and let you know what exactly is happening with your car.