How To Inspect Your Fuel System In 7 Steps

There are many components responsible for the proper performance of your motor vehicle. One of them is the fuel system.

This consists of a series of parts that deliver fuel to the car’s engine, giving it the combustion it needs to run. Standard models come with a fuel tank, pump, injector, and filter.

Like many other parts of your car, your fuel system isn’t safe from the effects of weather, rocky roads, bad driving, and regular wear and tear. If you want to keep it in top condition despite these elements, you must know how to inspect it for problems.

Proper fuel system inspection is key to maintaining fuel efficiency and lengthening the lifespan of your car. Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast or a new owner, here’s how to check it in seven steps.

1. Review Your Manufacturer’s Manual

Car manufacturers always include a manual to teach owners how to best take care of their chosen make and model. You better not have thrown or forgotten yours upon purchase. Fortunately, you can check online for online versions of manuals.

If you notice any issues with the fuel system, you can check the manual to see what you can do before having to turn to a mechanic. It often outlines troubleshooting methods to see if you can make a quick fix or need extra aid.

If it turns out that you must go with the latter, the manual can let you know if you can access any warranty policies available.

2. Inspect The Fuel Line And Connections

Fuel lines carry fuel around a car, from the engine to the fuel tank. So, inspecting them regularly for problems like cracks or leaks is critical to saving fuel.

You can check these perforations in the piping and tubing by filling the system with pressurized air and keeping an eye out for strange sounds or smells. If you find them, consider whether they can be sealed. Often, a replacement is the smarter option.

If a connection comes loose, it may cause fuel to spill out and start a fire, so make sure all connections are tightly screwed in before refueling. You can do this yourself or get help from a car service company like Mechanic on Wheel or similar ones in your area.

3. Check The Fuel Filters

These are responsible for removing any dirt or particles that may be present in the fuel. These usually clog the engine, causing serious problems.

The location of the fuel filters depends on the make and model. But they are generally placed inside the fuel tank. If it takes multiple attempts to start up your vehicle, this might be an indication that you have to change them. You can either clean out the filters or get new ones.

4. Inspect The Fuel Pump

The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel to your engine. Without it, it won’t have the pressure needed to propel itself through the fuel lines. A bad pump leads to a decrease in efficiency.

Modern cars place the fuel pump inside the fuel tank. You can use a multimeter to see if the pump is working properly. Connect the terminals to the head of the pump and measure the output. If the results don’t fall into the range recommended by the manufacturer, you should replace the pump as quickly as possible.

dispenser nozzle fuel fill oil into car tank.

5. Check The Fuel Injector

A fuel injector is a device that breaks the fuel into small particles and pushes them into the engine. It is usually found inside the engine and is responsible for the combustion system.

If the fuel injector is not working well, your car may misfire. To keep the fuel injector in good condition, you can use a fuel system cleaner to bring back its efficiency. This part only needs replacements in serious cases.

6. Inspect The Fuel Tank

This houses the fuel in the car and is generally located at the bottom. There is an indicator on the dashboard to show how much fuel is remaining in the tank. If you let your fuel levels get very low, you put the engine at risk.

Always check if the tank has leaks. They’re usually indicated by wet spots on the road when you park the car for an extended period. If you spot them, apply the appropriate sealing to retain fuel efficiency as well as prevent fires.

7. Test Fuel Pressure And Flow Rate

If a car has too little fuel flowing through it, the engine might stop working correctly. That’s why checking the flow rate and pressure is essential.

You can do this by attaching a pressure gauge, then letting your vehicle idle. If the pressure is too low, the fuel won’t flow correctly. Too high, and the pipe may burst.

It’s important to regularly check and adjust the fuel system’s pressure to ensure everything works correctly.

Keep The Fuel System In Shape

The last thing you want is for your car to sputter out in the middle of the freeway. Keeping the fuel system clean and working correctly saves you a lot of trouble in terms of fuel efficiency and road hazards. Regular maintenance also helps you avoid hefty repair costs.

If you haven’t already, pop the hood and follow these steps now.