5 Signs Your Car Needs a Fuel System Service
If you use your vehicle everyday, you'll want to make sure it's operating at peak performance. Fuel is the lifeblood of your vehicle so, it's important to maintain your fuel system and be aware of potential signs that things aren't quite right. In addition to regular petrol servicing, you can prevent an unexpected fuel system failure with the following steps.
Use the following links to find exactly what you're looking for in this post:
- 5 Signs you need a fuel system service
- Benefits of a fuel system service
- What's included in a fuel system service?
- The steps of a fuel system service
- How often do you replace a fuel system?
- Book a fuel replacement for your vehicle
Today, we'll run through five tell-tale signs your car needs a fuel system service. As a bonus, we'll also include an overview of what the procedure entails. Once your car has had a fuel system service, you'll be surprised how much better your vehicle runs.
5 Signs you need a fuel system service
While regular services are recommended, we understand it's easy to let these things slip by. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for that may indicate that your car needs a fuel system service:
- Struggles to start or starts roughly
- Your vehicle shudders when idle
- You notice your car loses power when traveling uphill or when towing
- When you press the accelerator, your engine is slow to respond.
- Slow acceleration in general
Any of the above signs, especially if you've noticed a change, is worth getting checked out by a trusted local mechanic even if it doesn't turn out to be your fuel system. Having your car serviced sooner rather than later not only gets your vehicle running better, but it can help prevent the problem from getting worse which will likely cost more to fix.
Benefits of a fuel system service
- Better engine performance: If your fuel system needs a service, you may notice your engine isn't performing at its peak. Once you have the issue sorted, you might be surprised how well your vehicle now runs.
- Increase fuel economy: It may not seem like a lot at first but consider how often you fill your car and how even a small saving each time could really add up.
- Better overall, long-term engine health: When it comes to looking after your engine, preventative measures are the preferred approach.
Not everyone will notice a difference to the performance of their car after a fuel system service, however that doesn't mean the procedure wasn't beneficial. With cars, like a lot of things, prevention is the best cure, and a service can help catch any potential issues before they become major (and expensive) problems.
What's included in a fuel system service?
As your engine burns fuel, eventually bits of residue and debris will begin to build up, causing performance issues. To solve existing performance issues and to avoid engine damage in the future, deposits will need to be removed through chemical cleaning. Deposits can occur in your fuel tank, in your fuel lines, in the fuel pump or filter and/or on your fuel injectors. The main problems which these deposits can cause are:
- Reduced fuel flow
- The blockage will cause your fuel injectors inadequately deliver fuel to your engine
- Extra stress on your fuel pumps meaning they'll wear out faster
A chemical cleaning can help improve the function and extend the life of your fuel system and help to prevent serious damage to your engine.
During a service, your mechanic will inspect various components, such as your fuel pump, fuel filter and fuel injectors. If any of these components are worn or damaged, they’ll need to be replaced to help your car perform at its best.
- Fuel Filters should be replaced around every 30,000-40,000kms or as specified by your vehicle's user manual. Some modern cars don't have removable fuel filters, so in those cases, this step won't be necessary.
- Fuel Pumps and Fuel Injectors are less likely to need to be replaced than a fuel filter, with this step only being necessary if you or your mechanic notice signs these parts are worn. A worn fuel pump will lead to hard starts and low fuel pressure. If you experience poor fuel economy and misfires, it could be a sign your fuel injectors need replacing.
The steps of a fuel system service
A fuel system service is a process that requires care from the technician, to make sure that delicate components are thoroughly cleaned while remaining undamaged. The basic outline of the process is:
- Clean the injectors
- Eliminate any fuel varnish from the throttle body
- Ensure any varnish from the valves is removed
- Replace fuel filter if necessary (some modern cars don't have removable fuel filters)
- Add fuel additive.
How often do you replace a fuel system?
Ideally, your fuel system should be replaced every 30,000-40,000 kms depending on your vehicle and the type of driving you're doing. It's also worth looking at the user manual for your vehicle, though not all car manuals will include this information. Regular car services can help your fuel system last longer and gives your mechanic an opportunity to inspect for any issues. With their expertise, they may be able to spot potential issues before you even notice serious symptoms.
How much does replacement typically cost?
Like most repairs, prices will vary depending on the severity of the problems and the extent of the repairs. The easiest way to get an exact figure is to chat to your trusted mechanic.
With car maintenance, it's important to consider both the short term and long-term costs. Periodically servicing your fuel system can prevent damage to your engine and increase fuel efficiency, meaning it could potentially save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in the long run.
Book a fuel replacement for your vehicle
The best way to avoid problems with your fuel system is to book regular services with your mechanic. Services are a vital step to maintaining your car, and to spotting potential issues. If your car is due for a fuel system service or a general check-up, Bliss Mechanics is here to help!
Whether you're looking for a service, minor repairs, or something major, Bliss Mechanics are your local, go-to experts. We're passionate about getting your vehicle to its best and our friendly team are happy to help, so why not book a service or call us today at 5325 1120.