Problems with the fuel system of cars are amongst the most common problems for drivers. Regular maintenance and preparation can help to avoid problems from occurring. The following article is a short guide revealing problems and solutions with fuel systems.
• If your car is having difficulties starting and reaching high speeds then you’ll probably have a problem caused by clogged fuel filters. The owner’s manual for your car should have a record of how often the filters need to be changed. Bear in mind that if you live in a rural area or drive on dusty or gravel roads you will need to change your filter more often. Also as your car grows older the filters may need changing more often.
• The build up of dirt around fuel injectors can also cause performance problems. Debris inside the fuel tank can clog fuel injectors restricting the supply of petrol or forcing them to open too wide and eventually flooding the engine. Fuel system cleaners can be purchased to keep the injectors clean. They are available from most petrol stations and car accessory suppliers. Pour the cleaner in the empty petrol tank just before filling up and the cleaner will circulate around the tank while you drive. If you do this every three months or so you shouldn’t have a problem. If the cleaner doesn’t work then you will need to have your engine cleaned thoroughly at a garage which will be costly and take a long time.
• Where you buy your petrol from can make a difference. Fuel supplier’s petrol stations such as BP and Texaco usually get their fuel delivered to them from their own tankers before other stations. Independent stations who don’t have branded connections will usually receive the last drop off from the tankers which means there is a more of a risk that the petrol has become contaminated with water or debris throughout the course of the day. A high concentration of water can cause rust to appear sooner in your car’s fuel system. This will make a noticeable difference to the performance of your car or could even stop it from starting. To avoid this from happening stick to name branded petrol stations and try to use pumps with built in filters.