Is There Something Wrong With Your Automobile’s Fuel System?

Your car’s fuel system is vital to the smooth operation of your vehicle. When you have fuel trouble, chances are that your car is not going anywhere. Fuel problems can include anything from bad gas to a clogged fuel filter … and worse. The first step in pinpointing a problem with your fuel system is to understand the basic components.

Your car has a fuel tank for storing the fuel. This is the area where you pump your gas every week. Your fuel gauge in the dashboard will tell you how much fuel you have stored.

Your car also has a fuel pump, which pumps the fuel from the tank to the motor. You can find fuel filters before and/or after the fuel pump. These filters ensure that the fuel is clean before it reaches your motor – dirty fuel can lead to many problems.

Finally, depending on the age of your car, it will either have fuel injectors or a carburetor. Both of these items handle the delivery of the fuel to the spark plugs, which results in the starting and running of your vehicle.

Now that you know the basic components of your fuel system, you have a general idea of where to look when problems arise. The most common problems involved with the fuel system include dirty fuel filters, failing fuel pumps, clogged injectors, and failing carburetors. If your car sputters or fails to start, begin by checking these items. Change your fuel filter and see if that makes a difference.

Next, move on to the fuel pump. You can normally hear if your fuel pump is running – if it is not running, chances are that you are not getting any fuel. If your filters and pump are fine, check your carburetor or injectors. They may be clogged.

Finally, remember that bad gas does exist. It can cause your car to run sluggishly or not start at all. If you think your fuel might be the source, consider using a different gas station, as well as a higher grade of gasoline.

Problems with your fuel system and not sure where to look first? Instead of spending time and money guessing at the wrong problems, bring it in and we’ll have you back on the road in no time.