What is a Fuel System Service?

There are a number of maintenance tasks you need to perform as a vehicle owner to keep your car running smoothly. One important task that’s often overlooked is a fuel system service. Below, we’ll explain what a fuel system service contains, the benefits of scheduling this service, and some common signs that it’s time for a fuel system service.

What Is a Fuel System Service?

A fuel system service is a type of service that most vehicles need at some point. However, unlike services such as oil changes or brake pad replacements, there isn’t a set interval of time that vehicle manufacturers recommend getting a fuel system service. Instead, you’ll want to get a fuel system service when it’s either been a while since the last service, you’re experiencing some problems with the vehicle, or if a service technician recommends it after a routine vehicle inspection.

A fuel system service typically includes two major components. These are:

Fuel System Cleaning

The first part of a fuel system service is a cleaning of the system. As you drive your vehicle, the fuel can leave behind residue. Even the best fuel leaves behind deposits, which then accumulate over time. A fuel system cleaning involves clearing these deposits out of the fuel system, usually through a chemical cleaning. These chemicals break down the deposits, after which the flushing of the system removes them.

Replacing Worn Parts

In addition to cleaning out the system, a fuel system service will also include inspecting the parts of the fuel system to ensure they’re in good condition. If the service technician detects worn parts, they recommend replacing them. Some possible worn parts can include the fuel pump, the fuel injectors, or the fuel filters.

It’s recommended that you replace your fuel filters every 30,000 miles, while the fuel pump and fuel injectors don’t typically need to be replaced as often. During the fuel system service, the service technician will then remove the old parts and replace them with new OEM parts that are specifically designed for your vehicle.

What Are the Benefits of a Fuel System Service?

There are a few benefits that come with getting a fuel system service. These benefits include:

Better Engine Performance

For starters, a clean fuel system results in better engine performance. Your engine relies on clean fuel to operate correctly. Through a fuel system service, you can ensure there are no deposits or other debris clogging up your fuel. If you want to get the best possible performance from your engine, clean fuel is a necessity, which means occasionally clearing out your fuel system and replacing any worn parts.

Better Fuel Efficiency

Another benefit of a fuel system service is better efficiency. When your engine has to work harder to produce combustion, this results in using more fuel. You’re then using more fuel to drive the same distances you once did. Spending money on fuel is a large enough expense as it is without increasing it due to poor fuel efficiency. To save money at the gas pump, you need your engine at peak performance, which requires the occasional fuel system cleaning.

Better Engine Health

Finally, a fuel system service helps to protect the long-term health of your engine. Engine repairs are some of the most costly that you can experience while owning a vehicle. It’s best to avoid these through services like oil changes and fuel system services. A fuel system service can help protect against mechanical damage, which makes it less likely that you’ll need to get repairs. Save yourself some headaches and money in the future by getting a regular fuel system service.

Signs You Need a Fuel System Service

If you’re unsure of if you need a fuel system service or not, there are a few signs that you can look for, including:

Poor Engine Performance

Engine performance is directly tied to the health of your fuel system. You may start to notice slow acceleration or even trouble starting the vehicle if your fuel system needs a good cleaning. If you think that your engine isn’t performing as well as it once did, it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle in for an inspection to see if a simple fuel system cleaning could return your vehicle to normal.

Lower Fuel Efficiency

Many new vehicles display information about the current fuel efficiency. Compare your vehicle’s current expected MPG and see how it compares to either the fuel efficiency you received when you first started driving the vehicle or the expected MPG stated in the owner’s manual. If your current fuel efficiency is lower than expected, a dirty fuel system could be the reason.

Rough Idling

A common sign that you need a fuel system service is rough idling. As your vehicle is idling, you shouldn’t notice any significant vibrations. If you do, there could be several reasons for this, one of which is dirty fuel. Unless you recently added gas with a higher-than-normal impurity level, your fuel is likely picking up contaminants from the fuel system itself.

Check Engine Light Illuminated

Finally, if your check engine light turns on, this could be the result of a fault in your fuel system. Many things can turn this light on and it’s important to determine the cause as soon as you can. Bring your vehicle to a trusted service station to learn if a problem with your fuel system is the cause of your check engine light turning on.

Schedule a Fuel System Service in the Greater Houston Area Today

The next time you need a fuel system service in the Greater Houston area turn to Monument Chevrolet. Our service center in Pasadena, TX can perform a wide range of maintenance and repair jobs, including cleaning out your fuel system and replacing any worn parts. Our team will thoroughly inspect your fuel system to ensure it’s in the best possible condition before you get back on the road. To get started, please schedule a service appointment online or call us at (713) 580-1562 today with any questions. Thank you for choosing Monument Chevrolet. We look forward to helping you keep your vehicle in great condition.

Image Credits: Image by Dawn McDonald is licensed with Unsplash License

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