How Do You Know When It’s Time for a Fuel System Cleaning?
Every time you go to get your vehicle serviced, someone suggests that you need a fuel system cleaning. But, what is the importance? Is it really necessary? The answer is yes! A fuel system cleaning is a valuable service that every vehicle will eventually and continually need. Have you noticed that your vehicle is getting lower gas mileage? Maybe even a loss in power? Is there a hesitation when you put your foot down on the gas pedal? Or is your engine idling rough? If so, it may be time for a fuel system cleaning. Over time, fuel varnish deposits can clog the components of your fuel system. To ignite properly, the spray from your fuel injectors needs to be a wide and fine mist. If the nozzles get clogged, the stream won’t fully ignite. This means that you are using more gas and getting less power.
Your fuel system is comprised of several parts. First, there’s the gas tank. Which we all know what its role is—it holds your gas or diesel fuel. From there you have fuel lines that carry the gas or diesel from the tank to your engine. Fuel filters are in place to catch any dirt or debris that may be in the lines. This prevents your fuel injectors from getting clogged. Your fuel pump pushes the fuel past the fuel filters and into the fuel injectors. The fuel injectors are small nozzles that spray a fine mist of fuel into the cylinder. Finally, a spark plug ignites the fuel. This causes an explosion that powers the crankshaft and gets your vehicle moving.
If your fuel injectors are clogged, the spark plugs have a much more difficult time igniting the fuel. Liken it to an immature kid making his own torch out of a lighter and aerosol body spray. At first, it’s all fun and games. The aerosol can sprays out an even, fine mist. When combined with the lighter, it creates a dangerous blowtorch. Putting aside how terribly dangerous of an idea this is, the torch burns evenly because of the fine distribution. But as the can empties, the mist becomes more haphazard and starts to drip and spurt out of the can. His torch is no longer as impressive. Just like this kid’s dangerous blowtorch (don’t try this at home), your fuel injectors don’t perform at full capacity when clogged. Since you continually put fuel in, you don’t run out like an aerosol can would, but the fuel varnish deposits in your fuel create the same problem.
If you suspect your vehicle’s fuel system needs to be cleaned, don’t hesitate to bring it in. We provide a complete fuel system cleaning service. First, we will clean all deposits from your fuel injectors. Then, we will clear the fuel lines. Once those are both clear, we will remove all debris and carbon deposits from the combustion chamber. Finally, we will make sure that the air intake is clear of all deposits by hand-cleaning it. This ensures that nothing is disrupting the airflow, keeping your system running efficiently. And replacing your fuel filters is a must. This will assure that you won’t have to return for another fuel system cleaning for a while. And your vehicle will be performing almost like new again. You will notice an improvement in your gas mileage as well as power when you press down that pedal. Be prepared!