Can you recall the last time you took your car in for a fuel system cleaning service? Probably not. Yet, neglecting any part of your vehicle can have disastrous results. For fast and friendly help, stop by  Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville.

Parts Of Your Fuel System

As with many structures in your car, your fuel system relies on many components working in conjunction with each other:

• Fuel tank
• Pump
• Filter
• Rail system
• Injectors
• Powertrain Control Module (PCM)

Structurally, the fuel system begins at your gas tank. The tank stores the gas and houses the fuel pump. As you drive, the pump moves the gas from the tank through the lines and the filter. From there, the rail system maintains the correct pressure to deliver gas to the fuel injectors. Finally, the injectors spray the fuel at a precise angle into the combustion chamber.

Moreover, in today’s modern vehicles, automakers use computers to control many systems. The PCM is one such microprocessor managing many functions including fuel delivery. It relies on sensors for the correct oxygen to fuel ratio mix.

Ultimately, a malfunction of any of these parts will result in poor car performance.

5 Signs Your Fuel System Needs Maintenance

Like all the parts of your automobile, routine servicing will help prevent any problems. If you’ve neglected to maintain your fuel system, you may experience any of the following problems:

1. Decreased Power Going Uphill Or Towing

A clogged fuel filter or injector can prevent gas from entering the combustion chamber. Without enough fuel, you’ll experience decreased power when going uphill or when towing a heavy load.

2. Difficulty In Starting Your Car

Usually, you’ll find many different faulty parts that can interfere with your car starting. A dead battery or a bad alternator is the usual suspect. Yet, a clogged fuel filter can also prevent your car from starting.

3. Rough Idling

Shaking or shuddering when stopped is another sign you may need your fuel system cleaned. For proper performance, engines need the right air-to-fuel ratio. Clogged fuel injectors prevent the right amount of gas from entering the combustion chamber. With too much air, the mixture will burn irregularly causing rough idling.

4. Sluggish Accelerating

A failure in any part of the fuel system can result in sluggishness when you try to accelerate. If your pump is failing, it won’t be able to push gas through the system. Additionally, a clogged fuel filter or injector will also prevent gas from entering the combustion chamber.

5. Reduced Fuel Economy

Automakers use O-rings, donut-shaped gaskets, to seal the space between the fuel injector and rail. Over time, these rubber parts may become brittle, developing cracks. Cracked gaskets lead to leaks allowing fuel to escape.

Required Maintenance Of Your Fuel System

Typically, most automotive experts recommend fuel system maintenance every 30,000 miles. Your servicing should include replacing your fuel filter as well as the removal of any buildup of deposits. Generally, automakers don’t require any maintenance for your fuel pump, but there are some tips to extend its life.

Most importantly, always keep your gas tank at least ¼ full. A running fuel pump generates a lot of heat. With its location in the fuel tank, gas keeps the pump cool.

When your gas falls below the ¼ tank mark, the surrounding air must act as a coolant. Unfortunately, air can’t cool as efficiently as gas. Often this leads to overheating and early failure of your fuel pump.

Fuel System Cleaning Service- FAQs

Do you have fuel system cleaning service questions specific to your car? Call us at 336-993-7697 and one of our friendly staff members will help you. Below, we’ve answered a few, general questions about maintaining your fuel system.

Can Certain Lower Brands Of Gas Cause Problems?

While all gas begins as petroleum, not all fuel is equal. After refining crude oil, companies add a mixture of additives designed to clean and protect your engine. The ingredients vary as each company has its own secret formula.

Generally, some gas brands are better at keeping your fuel injectors free from buildup than others. To assist consumers in choosing a good grade of fuel, automakers developed a fuel performance standard. Look for the Top Tier™ logo wherever you fill up your tank.

Does Regularly Using Injector Cleaner In My Gas Tank Help?

Often, car owners head on over to their local auto parts store for a bottle of injector cleaner. Sometimes, this can be enough to clean the injectors if the deposits are light. However, heavy deposits need specialized equipment to force cleaner through at high pressure to remove all the buildup.

Additionally, some products containing harsh chemicals may damage parts of your engine. Moreover, cleaners can loosen dirt in the lines or rail which then clogs your injectors.

Before adding any type of cleaner to your gas tank, always check your owner’s manual.

Does It Matter Where I Have My Car Serviced?

We think it does, especially when most consumers are unhappy with the auto service they’ve received in the past. Many consumers complain about overpricing and poor service.

That’s why we strive to make your experience a pleasant one. When you need fuel system cleaning service, Havoline® Xpress Lube of Kernersville offers:

• A convenient location
• Competitive pricing
• Personalized service
• Family-owned and operated
• ASE-certified technicians
• Modern car wash
• Car care tips on our Facebook and Instagram pages

Why bring your car anywhere else? Our team delivers everything you’ve come to expect from a quality automotive repair shop.