Have you noticed a drop in your car’s fuel efficiency? Or, maybe it’s running rough or you’re having trouble starting it. The problem may be with your fuel system. Unfortunately, most car owners don’t hesitate to use the best fuel system cleaner recommended by their local auto part store. Let’s see if this is really the best option.

Your Car’s Fuel System

Combustion engines, those that rely on gas or diesel to create power, require the correct mix of fuel and air. In the past, car manufacturers relied on carburetors to do the job. However, to provide better fuel efficiency and lower emissions, automakers replaced the carburetor with fuel injectors.

Fuel injectors, together with the tank, pump, lines, and rail, make up your fuel system. While fuel injectors are only one part of your car’s fuel system, it’s the part that most often needs cleaning.

Basically, fuel injectors spray fuel at a precise angle to create a mist that mixes with the air. Even a small amount of dirt on the fuel injector can affect the misting and the spray pattern. Any distortion in this process has a direct effect on fuel efficiency, performance, and emissions.

5 Signs You May Need Your Fuel Injectors Cleaned

Often, some car problems can point to issues with several different components. Moreover, fuel injector troubles can be hard to diagnose. Thus, you should always have a professional look at your car engine before you undertake a repair. Below, we outline some common clogged fuel injector problems.

1. Misfiring Engine

Car engines run on the precise timing of several cylinders. Without the proper mix of fuel and oxygen, the combustion process can occur too early or late. Generally, a misfire occurs when just one cylinder differs in the timing of the others. Often, your engine will make a banging or knocking sound in addition to losing power.

2. Rough Idling

Whenever your car engine is running without your vehicle moving, it’s idling. However, even when your engine is idling, the pistons and crankshaft move. The speed at which these components turn is RPMs. Your car’s engine should be able to maintain a constant speed of RPMs at idle.

When fuel injectors are dirty, you may experience shaking during idling. You may notice the needle on the RPM gauge jumping.

3. Your Check Engine Light Illuminates

Often, your check engine light can illuminate for a variety of reasons. However, problems with your fuel injectors will most certainly cause your dashboard warning to light up.

4. Poor Fuel Economy

Usually, when a fuel injector is clogged, you’ll have an imbalance of the proper fuel/air mix. Your engine’s computer system will try to compensate by adding more fuel into the system. While one of the injectors won’t be getting enough, the others will get too much, lowering your efficiency.

5. Trouble Starting Your Vehicle

With a clogged fuel injector, gas can’t get to the cylinder for combustion. You may have difficulty starting your car or experience stalling,

Routine Maintenance For Your Fuel System

While all gasoline contains detergents, not all brands have the same concentration. To keep your fuel injectors clean, choose a Top Tier ™ brand of gas. These brands meet automakers’ fuel performance standards to keep your car engine cleaner.

However, even if you use a good brand of gas, your injectors may become clogged. Sometimes, gasoline can contain contaminants. Additionally, due to the nature of the combustion engine, hardened deposits can form on the injectors clogging them.

You may think by choosing the best fuel system cleaner on the market, your car problems will go away. However, these products can cause additional, more costly issues if not used properly. Using the wrong type or too much can destroy your fuel tank, pump, or sensors. Moreover, some products only loosen dirt allowing it to travel further into the system clogging fuel injectors.

Best Fuel System Cleaner FAQs

Do you have questions concerning the best fuel system cleaner options available? Below, we’ve answered a few commonly asked ones. If you have additional queries, call us at 336-993-7697.

What’s The Difference Between Fuel Injector And Fuel System Cleaners?

Many people use fuel injector and fuel system cleaner terms interchangeably. However, you’ll find differences between the two in potency and price.

Generally, manufacturers formulate fuel injector cleaners for lighter cleaning. It’s typically cheaper than full system cleaners and cleans small deposits on the injectors. Conversely, fuel system cleaners contain stronger detergents to clean your entire system.

How Much Does A Professional Cleaning Cost?

Usually, if you don’t need any other services, a professional fuel system cleaning is affordable. Typically, the cost depends upon how much dirt has accumulated and the type of your vehicle.

Why Should I Have Xpress Lube Clean My Injectors?

Sometimes, you may think your car’s problem is with your fuel system. Yet, your issues may lie with your spark plugs, ignition coils, or oxygen sensors. Using the latest diagnostic equipment, the professionals at Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville can properly diagnose your problem. If needed, our professional-grade equipment can correctly remove dirt and deposits.

Moreover, we can take care of any other maintenance issues you’ve been neglecting:

• Oil changes
• Transmissions
• Tires
• State Inspections
• Fuel system
• Alignments
• Brakes
• Exhaust
• And a whole lot more!

Why waste your money on something that may not work and can even damage your engine? Call us today at 336-993-7697 and we’ll have your car fixed and back on the road quickly.