Fuel Systems Maintenance
WHAT IS AUTOMOTIVE FUEL AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
It’s no big mystery that your vehicle runs on fuel; whether that’s gasoline or diesel; Yes, the world of automotive is moving to more and more “fuel-less” cars that solely operate off of electricity. But that’s a whole different conversation.
Today’s fuels are a far cry from their earlier versions. Fuels today are advanced in terms of how they are refined, how efficiently they burn and the additive package they contain, compared to yesterday’s fuels. To be honest, they’re an amazing work of science. And on top of that, the major oil companies’ fuel products generally contain cleaning agents, detergents and other additives that actually help keep the engines internal parts cleaner, burn more efficiently and run better, & for longer.
Tips and Tricks – DO NOT BUY CHEAP, OFF-BRAND GAS UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO (and then only one-off as needed). The reason being, many of the local and national ‘off-brands’ do not contain the quality detergents and fuel enhancing additives that the better fuels contain (hence the cheaper price). Better quality fuels from reputable oil companies, with a good additive package, among other things, should:
- Reduce injector fouling and valve deposits formation
- Reduce fuel consumption
- Offer better power and acceleration
- Be environmental conservation (reduction of CO2 and other pollutant emissions)
- Protect vulnerable engine parts (especially against corrosion)
BACK TO FUEL SYSTEMS
Essentially, the fuel system delivers gasoline or diesel fuel to the engine. The fuel system transfers fuel from the fuel tank, via a fuel pump, and passes it through a fuel filter for straining before it gets sent on to the injectors and into the motor. A pressure regulator controls fuel pressure to ensure good engine performance under a variety of speed and load conditions. The fuel system works with the engine control system to deliver the best performance with the lowest emissions. Fuel injectors, when activated, spray a metered amount of fuel into the engine. Some vehicles use a return line system to return unused fuel back to the tank.
Your vehicle should run at a maximized output and efficiency when the fuel system is maintained and working as it should. When it doesn’t, that’s when a fuel injection (or fuel system) cleaning service comes in. Come see us at Harmony Automotive so we can perform fuel services, to properly clean and maintain your vehicle’s fuel system for optimum fuel economy, power and longevity.
- Intervals for fuel system maintenance may be influenced by:
- Fuel quality
- Vehicle age
- Mileage/time
- Operating conditions
- Maintenance history
