How much do you know about your vehicle’s fuel system? Many drivers neglect this system, not realizing it actually plays a vital role in the lifespan of their car, as well as power, performance, fuel economy, and drivability.

An Overview of the Fuel System

To have a better understanding of your fuel system and how it works, here’s a brief overview. Your fuel system consists of:

• The gas tank, which holds gas or diesel
• Fuel lines, which carry the fuel from the gas tank to the engine
• Fuel filter, which captures dirt and other debris from the lines before it can clog the injectors
• Fuel pumps, which shoot a fine spray of fuel into the cylinder
• Spark plugs, which ignite the fuel and cause the combustion process that powers the crankshaft and moves the car

What’s important to take away here is that the spray from the fuel injectors needs to be wide enough—and fine enough—for the spark from the spark plugs to ignite it. If the fuel injectors become clogged from fuel varnish deposits, the stream of fuel will be disrupted and it won’t ignite completely. This results in using less gas but getting less power. 

How to Prevent Fuel System Issues

One of the best things you can do for your fuel system is to use good-quality fuel. Top-tier gas typically has fewer contaminants and more detergents to help keep your engine clean. Using good gas and fuel cleaners can also prolong the life of your fuel pump. Since the fuel pump lives inside the gas tank, it can be expensive to replace.

When the fuel filter is clogged, your vehicle may not be able to get enough fuel and you might notice the engine sputtering. Many fuel filters have a bypass valve that allows unfiltered fuel past it when the filter becomes clogged. Although this helps prevent your engine from dying, it doesn’t prevent dirty fuel from entering the engine. Check your owner’s manual or ask your service advisor when the fuel filter should be changed.

Over time, fuel will cause gum and varnish to accumulate within the fuel intake system. This is when a professional fuel system cleaning is in order. A fuel system cleaning will remove all the gunk so the fuel can flow freely again. It will also help prevent any contaminants from reaching the engine and fuel injectors. This service will clean deposits from the combustion chamber and intake valves, and ensure the injectors are clean and working correctly.

Signs Your Vehicle Needs a Fuel Cleaning

The fuel injectors need to be able to deliver a precise amount of fuel at precise times for optimal engine performance and fuel economy—and even one clogged injector can offset this delicate balance. Since many modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated computers that can compensate for minor errors in the system, it’s easy for a clogged fuel injector to go unnoticed during the early stages. As the clog becomes more severe, you may notice signs like:

• Decreased fuel economy
• Failed emissions tests
• Rough idling
• Loss of performance
• Engine sputtering and stalling
• Engine misfires

If you’ve noticed any of the above signs, schedule an appointment at EuroCar Service. Our skilled technicians will diagnose the issue and let you know exactly what your vehicle needs. We see all European makes, including BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Mercedes, Mini-Cooper, Saab, Jaguar, Volkswagen, Volvo, Smart Car, and Fiat. Give us a call at (206) 527-8828 or request an appointment online.

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