The fuel system is like your body’s circulatory system; it stores and supplies fuel to your engine to keep it running. It’s vital to your car’s performance, so you must make sure it’s well-maintained. One of the ways to keep your fuel system in its optimum condition is to keep it clean.
Fuel system cleaning is a preventive maintenance service that involves cleaning and removing debris from the fuel system.
Over time, sediments can build up in the fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel lines, and gas tank. Carbon deposits can also clog the intake valve, and the fuel filter can accumulate debris that renders it ineffective in refining fuel.
Fuel system cleaning prevents these factors from causing engine performance issues.
The cleaning process usually involves adding several types of cleaners to the fuel tank and letting the engine run to clean the gas pump, fuel lines, and fuel injectors.
When the engine is warm, another cleaner is added to get rid of carbon deposits and gunk in the combustion chambers.
The exhaust valves, oxygen sensors, and catalytic converter are also cleaned to ensure they’re free of carbon deposits, sediments, and debris that can disrupt their operation.
Most experts recommend that vehicles undergo fuel system cleaning every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Experts from large companies that offer system cleaning recommend cleaning every 30,000 miles. This is especially true for vehicles with GDI engines.
Fuel system cleaning usually doesn’t cost that much, so you don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money for it. If you have your fuel system cleaned regularly, you’d prevent more expensive repairs in the future.
You can consult a mechanic or talk to your dealer to determine the recommended schedule for your vehicle.
You don’t have to wait for your vehicle to reach around 60,000 to 90,000 miles before cleaning its fuel system. If you notice any of the signs below, it might be time to take a trip to an auto repair shop for a fuel system cleaning:
Increased fuel consumption might be a sign you have clogged fuel injectors or unclean fuel. If there’s nothing wrong with the system or its parts other than a blockage or a dirty fuel filter, cleaning it should restore your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. It’s also important to note that some vehicle fuel filters are not serviceable. You’ll have to service the fuel pump assembly to fix the issue.
Some vehicle fuel filters are not serviceable. You’ll have to service the fuel pump assembly to fix the issue.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Fuel injection systems limit carbon emissions, as they ensure efficient fuel delivery and play a crucial role in controlling the air-fuel mixture in the engine. If you’ve recently failed an emission test, it can be a sign that you have a clogged fuel injection system.
A delay in acceleration is likely a sign your fuel pump isn’t pumping enough gas. A blocked fuel injector can cause this issue.
However, acceleration lag can also point to other faults, like a broken fuel pump, faulty spark plug, and malfunctioning oxygen sensor, so cleaning the fuel system might not resolve the delay.
Once fuel flow is restricted, your vehicle might jerk when idling and exhibit unusual vibrations due to the imbalance of air and fuel in the engine. Cleaning the fuel system would fix the issue if your vehicle has no faulty parts.
Your vehicle needs extra fuel to work when it’s under stress, like trying to drive up a steep slope, towing heavy cargo, and similar conditions. If it easily loses power in these types of scenarios, its engine might not be getting enough fuel to power it. A dirty fuel system might be the culprit.
It’s normal for carbon residues to build up as your engine burns fuel because carbon is a natural byproduct of combustion. However, the deposit can become thick enough to disrupt fuel flow over time.
Low-quality fuel can also accelerate the need for cleaning, as it contains impurities that can contaminate the fuel system. These impurities can include environmental particulate and asphaltenes from fuel and water. Low-quality fuel can also cause the injectors to deteriorate faster.
A simple fuel system cleaning service can cost anywhere between $50 and $80. The rate depends on what the cleaning service would involve and your ride’s year, make, and model.
While your fuel system will get dirty over time, there are ways to keep it clean longer. Here are some effective maintenance tips.
A fuel filter traps carbon deposits and other debris, preventing them from contaminating the fuel system. It becomes less effective over time, so experts recommend replacing it every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel filter replacement schedule for your ride.
Low-quality fuel can contaminate your engine, so don’t compromise quality for the price. Invest in high-quality fuel for your ride to keep the fuel system contaminant-free and running in optimal condition longer.
Have your fuel inspected regularly for any faults. Your ride’s regular service maintenance usually includes systems inspections, so following its recommended interval should have you covered.
If you notice the signs it’s time to clean your fuel system, don’t ignore them. Take your ride to an auto repair shop and have your fuel system checked and cleaned as needed. Mechanics can also identify and address existing and potential problems in your fuel system.
The health of your fuel system is crucial to the operation of your vehicle. This is why it’s important to follow your manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and replace faulty components as soon as possible. Thankfully, CarParts.com has a wide selection of replacement parts to help you keep your fuel system up and running.
There’s no need to drive to multiple stores to shop for the fuel system parts you need. All you have to do is get your mobile phone and input your ride’s details into our vehicle selector tool. This will narrow down your search to the parts that are compatible with your ride.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.