After a few years, buildup and other accumulations can start to make a car’s fuel system seem sluggish and less efficient. These effects can result in blockages that influence engine performance and fuel usage. If your car seems to stall more than usual, is going through gas quicker or takes longer to accelerate, it may be time for a fuel system cleaning.

Understanding the Fuel System

The car’s fuel system is comprised of multiple components. The gas tank holds the fuel, which passes through the fuel lines to the engine. In the process, fuel filters remove any dirt and debris that could pass through and clog the fuel injectors.

Along this pathway, the gas flows through the fuel pump to the injectors, which distribute the fuel to the engine’s cylinders. From here, a spark plug starts the combustion process, which ignites the fuel to power the crankshaft with the right ratio of air and fuel. Once this process begins, your car has the power to turn on and move forward.

Within this system, dirt and debris may accumulate within the filter, pump and injectors, ultimately creating a backup that affects the engine and its performance. Initially, your car experiences decreased fuel economy but eventually, the engine may shut down and prevent the vehicle from starting. The most common issue is fuel varnish deposits accumulating within the system.

As the most significant factor, the fuel injector needs to create a large yet fine enough spray for the spark plug to ignite the fuel and begin the combustion process. If the injectors are clogged, the fuel does not emerge as a fine aerosol and may contain additional deposits. This prevents the fuel from igniting to its full potential, resulting in less power and greater gas consumption.

What Is a Fuel System Cleaning?

The fuel injection system replaces the carburetors of past decades, resulting in more reliable power and efficient fuel consumption. Despite this, fuel injection systems require occasional cleanings to perform at their full potential and provide the right ratio of fuel to air to power the engine.

During these appointments, a technician will remove the accumulated fuel deposits and other debris, cleaning the intake valves and cylinders and flushing the entire fuel system to make fuel consumption more efficient.

In the process, a fuel system cleaning:

  • Helps improve the engine’s efficiency
  • Reduces wear and tear on your engine’s parts
  • Offers improved gas mileage
  • Helps your car reduce its emissions

A necessary part of your car’s maintenance process, it’s recommended you get the fuel system cleaned around the 60,000-mile mark, unless the owner’s manual uses a different schedule.

Signs Your Car Needs a Fuel System Cleaning

If you notice one or more of the following signs, your car’s fuel system needs to be cleaned:

  • Your car regularly loses power
  • You go through gas quicker or notice you’re filling the gas tank more often for driving the same number of miles
  • You notice the vehicle hesitates or stalls when you place your foot on the gas
  • You find it hard to accelerate as you’re driving uphill
  • The car has a rough start when you turn the key or requires multiple turns to get going
  • You notice a knocking or pinging sound coming from the engine
  • The vehicle won’t start up in colder weather
  • The pedal seems to stick or feels spongy
  • Your car recently failed an emissions test

Fuel System Cleaning Services

After examining your car and recommending a fuel system cleaning, a technician will:

  • Remove the fuel rail for a thorough cleaning, including the removal of varnish deposits
  • Have the engine run to clean the fuel injector nozzle
  • Clean carbon deposits from the valves, seals and throttle body
  • Clean out the fuel system to remove any deposits and moisture from the intake manifold, valves and combustion parts
  • Lubricate the throttle body and moving parts with a solution to reduce corrosion and slow buildup within the fuel system
  • Put an additive in the fuel tank to keep the injectors clean

 
If your car feels sluggish or is consuming more fluid than usual, bring it to DaSilva’s Auto Body for a fuel system flush to improve performance. To make an appointment, contact us today.