3 Benefits of a Fuel System Service

Though it's not required nearly as often as an oil change or tire rotation, a fuel system cleaning service can be very beneficial for your car. Over time, sediments can build up in the gas tank, fuel lines, fuel pump and fuel injection system. The fuel filter can become clogged or worn out to a point where it is ineffective. These factors will hinder the engine's performance and eventually start to cause significant problems.

Most automotive experts recommend a fuel system service every 30,000 miles or so to help keep your fuel system and engine healthy. It will entail a full flush and chemical cleaning of your fuel system, as well as replacement of your fuel filter. The fuel pump and fuel injectors will be inspected and cleaned—or replaced if needed.

Here are 3 benefits of a getting your fuel system cleaned and serviced, according to Fox Run Auto:

1. Better Engine Performance

Your engine will certainly appreciate having the fuel system properly maintained and cleaned periodically. It ensures cleaner fuel is flowing to the engine and being injected as desired while driving. This enables the combustion to happen more efficiently and will help keep the engine running smoother. If the fuel system isn't cleaned periodically, the engine will start to lose efficiency.

2. Increased Fuel Economy

One clear benefit of a fuel system services is to help enhance the vehicle's fuel economy. The engine will run more efficiently and this leads to less gasoline consumption. You may not notice an immediate gain in MPGs after a fuel system service, but a more efficient engine will definitely save you some money at the pumps over time. 

3. Long-Term Engine Health

Like oil changes or transmission services, a fuel system service is considered a vital "preventative maintenance" procedure. It helps prevent performance problems and mechanical damage in the engine while keeping it running healthier for the life of the vehicle. 

If you think you might be due for a fuel system service or any other preventative maintenance services, contact the automotive maintenance and repair experts at Fox Run Auto in Bear, DE.Call our Northern Delaware auto shop today at (302) 597-9205 or schedule your service appointment online.

The fuel system is made up of the fuel tank, pump, filter and injectors or carburetor, and is responsible for delivering fuel to the engine as needed. Each component must perform flawlessly to achieve expected vehicle performance and reliability.

Ultra 5-In-1 Fuel System Cleaner

• Helps save gas by keeping fuel intake system clean
• Fights engine friction
• 3x the amount of cleaning agents vs the leading premium gasoline*

Deep Cleans the Entire Fuel System and Fights Engine Friction

Fuel System Components

Over time, an engine’s performance can slowly diminish because of buildup, which clogs vital parts of the fuel system and causes reduced fuel efficiency and power.

Fuel Injectors/Carburetors

The fuel injector is the last stop for fuel in your engine before it goes "boom!" inside the combustion chamber. It is basically an electrically operated gate that opens just long enough to meter the perfect amount of fuel to run the engine.

Carburetors were the usual method of fuel delivery for most vehicles up until the late-1980s. Most carburetors are manual non-electric devices that are used for mixing vaporized fuel with air to produce a combustible or explosive mixture for internal combustion engines. Carburetors have been mostly supplanted by electronic fuel injection.

Intake Valve

The valve opens to allow the air/fuel mixture to be drawn into the combustion chamber. Deposits on the intake valves can restrict or change the flow of the air/fuel mixture into the combustion chamber. Fuel can stick to deposits on the intake valve and not enter the combustion chamber when needed. The right fuel additive can help reverse these effects and restore lost performance.

Piston

The piston travels up and down and converts the pressure from combustion into movement. Detergent additives that can help remove or reduce deposits have been shown to be effective in reducing or eliminating deposit-related drivability and performance loss.

Combustion Chamber

This is where burning of the air/fuel mixture happens. Deposits in the combustion chamber can affect heat transfer and air/fuel compression. Excess heat can cause premature ignition and knocking.

Some vehicles contain knock sensors that are used to determine engine knock or pre- or post-detonation. With these sensors, the computer will detune the engine to eliminate this symptom, which has an adverse effect on performance. Fuel system deposits will cause knocking, which is why it is so important to keep your fuel system clean.

Which Fuel Additive Do I Need?

Fuel additives vary by type and concentration. See below to find out which STP® products help prevent, remove or deep-clean deposits and learn more via our Fuel & Oil Additives guide.

These STP® Products help prevent new deposits from forming:

These STP® Products remove existing deposits to clean fuel injectors and valves:

1. STP® Octane Booster helps boost octane levels and helps restore horsepower.
2. STP® Super Concentrated Fuel Injector Cleaner unclogs dirty fuel injectors.

These STP® Products help remove existing deposits with just one treatment to clean the entire fuel system:

1. STP® Complete Fuel System Cleaner cleans the entire fuel system, for optimum performance.
2. STP® Ultra 5 In 1 Fuel System Cleaner | STP.com deep cleans the entire fuel system and fights engine friction