Has a mechanic ever recommended a fuel system tune up? This kind of service can benefit almost all vehicles. You don’t need this kind of cleaning as often as oil changes, but we don’t recommend completely ignoring your fuel system.

What is a Fuel System?

Your vehicle’s fuel system takes gas from your gas tank to your engine using a fuel pump. Any vehicle that uses gas has a fuel system. The pump takes the gas through fuel lines through a filter. The filter removes impurities before the gas gets to your engine, where dirt and dust can wreak havoc.

Most vehicles today have an electronic fuel injection system, which replaces the less efficient carburetors used in older cars. The fuel injection system combines the exact right amounts of gas and air so your engine runs smoothly. If you have an older vehicle, you may still have a carburetor. Both types of fuel systems need an occasional cleaning as part of a vehicle tune-up.

Benefits to a Fuel System Tune Up

Some people believe that you don’t need to clean your fuel system. There are other services more important for the overall health of your vehicle, such as oil changes. However, scheduling a fuel system tune up can have several benefits.

First, the deposits that build up in your fuel system over the years can cause you to use more gas than necessary. In other words, it’s bad for your wallet (and the environment). After you have your fuel system cleaned, you’ll likely also see better gas mileage.

Another major benefit to a fuel system cleaning is that there will be less wear and tear on your vehicle. This can help your vehicle last longer. In general, all vehicle maintenance has this goal: help your vehicle stay in great condition so it lasts as long as possible.

When you have your fuel system cleaned, you might also find that it drives more smoothly. A dirty fuel system can cause rough idling, engine knocking, and issues with accelerating. So, if you’ve been experiencing any of these problems, it may be time to have your fuel system tuned.

Signs You Need a Fuel System Cleaning

Along with handling issues, there are a few other indications that you may need a fuel system cleaning:

• Failing your emissions test – when you have a dirty fuel system, you may fail your annual emissions test, even if your vehicle passed in the past
• Problems with fuel economy – many factors can affect your gas mileage, but a dirty fuel system is definitely one of them
• A sticking throttle pedal and other issues with acceleration – if you’re experiencing issues with performance or have a general feeling that your vehicle has less power, a fuel system cleaning might be needed

The best sign that you need to service your fuel system is simply time. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will recommend how often you need to have your fuel system cleaned. Most manufacturers recommend that you change your fuel filter every 30,000 miles, In terms of a complete cleaning, this is typically recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. However, in some cases, you may want to clean your fuel system more regularly.

If you aren’t sure, we can help! Our ASE-certified technicians are experienced with understanding owner’s manuals. We can also check your entire system to make our recommendation about whether or not your fuel system needs service.

FAQs about Vehicle Maintenance

Cleaning your fuel system is just one part of the vehicle maintenance we do here at Kernersville Auto Center. To keep your vehicle in peak condition, you should have services scheduled based on your manufacturer recommendations. Here are a few common questions we get about vehicle maintenance:

Am I changing my oil too often?

Oil changes are incredibly important to the life of your vehicle. Few people are getting their oil changed too often. It is much more likely that you are not changing your oil often enough! Yes, you need to consider your car’s manufacturer recommendations, but you additionally need to look at the recommendations for the exact type of oil you are using. Some oils, such as high-quality synthetic oils and synthetic blends, work longer without needing a change. Our mechanics can let you know when to bring your vehicle back for an oil change, so when in doubt, just ask!

What other maintenance do I need for my car?

Along with oil changes, you also need to add a few other things to your maintenance checklist. This includes changing your air filter, checking your fluids, rotating your tires, replacing your battery, and maintaining your brakes. We can go over your complete vehicle maintenance schedule with you and get services scheduled during the same appointment to help save you time.

Do I need an annual inspection?

In North Carolina, most vehicles need an annual inspection, and in most counties, you also need an annual emissions test. Although this inspection does check safety features such as lights and wiper blades, it is not a full vehicle tune-up or maintenance check for your vehicle. We can schedule a tune up at the same time, as well as perform a courtesy check to ensure your vehicle is properly maintained.

If you have other questions about your fuel system tune up or other vehicle maintenance, we would be happy to help. Our team of mechanics has experience explaining vehicle information in a way that everyone can understand. You can stop by anytime, or click here to schedule your appointment with one of our car care experts.