The fuel system is what keeps your car running, and like many other parts of your vehicle, it can also get dirty after a while. However, cleaning the fuel system isn’t that simple since different components require different solutions to keep them working as efficiently as possible.
You can clean your fuel system by using fuel additives or by engaging professionals to clean the fuel tank, flush fuel lines, clean the fuel injectors, and replace the fuel filter. Which one to use depends on your system’s condition and your immediate needs.
Let’s take a closer look at your fuel system and its cleaning methods.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Fuel System?
Firstly, let’s talk about why a clean fuel system is so crucial to your car’s wellbeing. After all, you don’t want to throw money at this procedure without understanding why you’re doing it in the first place.
So, just a recap, your car’s fuel injection system stores fuel needed by your engine for the combustion process to occur. With the help of sensors and other electronics, it delivers fuel with clockwork precision.
All that fuel is stored in the fuel tank before it travels through fuel lines, pumps, and filters. It then goes through injectors which control when and how the fuel is sprayed into the engine.
Here’s the thing: each of those components can get dirty, making the system work less efficiently and causing performance issues to your vehicle.
Simply put, keeping your fuel system clean will prevent clogs and maximise fuel system function.
What Is the Best Fuel System Cleaning Method?
The answer to this question is not that straightforward. There are several methods for cleaning your fuel system, each targeted at different parts of the system and designed to solve various issues.
Different Methods of Cleaning a Vehicle’s Fuel System
Some cleaning methods are more complex than others. To help you understand this better, here are the available methods and how each one serves your fuel system differently:
1. Using Fuel Additives
You can think of fuel additives as a general DIY method of keeping your car’s fuel system clean. These products can be purchased online or in stores, and you’ll add them to your tank the next time you top up on fuel.
As you drive your car, the additives will help remove deposits and excess moisture throughout your fuel system, keeping it running as efficiently as possible.
So naturally, this is a popular option that you can DIY. You simply pour it into your fuel tank, and it does the rest. The only downside is that it's not that effective when your fuel system needs a serious cleaning.
2. Fuel Tank Removal and Cleaning
If your car's been in use for many years now, then it's likely that there's some residue build-up right at the bottom of that tank. In that case, you should have your fuel tank removed and cleaned thoroughly inside and out. Fortunately, your car doesn’t need this service frequently, but instead, it’s something that you should get every 2-3 years as a form of preventive maintenance.
3. Fuel Line Flushing and Replacement
Residue from the tank can make it into your fuel lines and prevent smooth flow, so you can also have them flushed out when there's a problem. If the lines themselves are worn out, especially soft hoses, then you'll want to get them replaced entirely.
4. Fuel Injector Cleaning and Testing
Here's another part of the fuel system that's more commonly sent for cleaning: your fuel injectors. If the injectors are so dirty that fuel additives don't help, then they'll need to be removed and cleaned.
Workshops providing this service will typically have ultrasonic cleaning equipment to get all the build-ups removed. Of course, they'll also test the injectors to ensure they're spraying as they should before reconnecting them to your fuel system.
5. Fuel Filter Replacement
A fuel filter replacement isn’t exactly a ‘cleaning method’, sure. But if you want your fuel system to stay clean for much longer, you’ll want to have the filter replaced regularly as well. A replacement once every two years is a good rule of thumb to stick to.
How Much Does Fuel System Cleaning Cost?
The cost to clean your fuel system will depend on which method you need. For instance:
- A bottle of fuel additives can cost anywhere from $8 to $50 or more, depending on the bottle size and brand. These can be used to clean your fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel injectors.
- Fuel injector cleaning can cost anywhere from $370 - $620.
- A brand-new fuel filter can cost anywhere from $120 - $400.
These are all approximate prices, though your preferred mechanic will likely have a fuel system cleaning service of their own.
Typically, your workshop will bundle two or more of these methods together and give it a lower package price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about fuel system cleaning.
1. Is fuel system cleaning worth it?
Yes, it’s not only worth it but also necessary. Periodic cleaning can protect your fuel system from rust, corrosion, and general wear and tear. Besides that, you’ll also maximise fuel economy and overall performance while extending your engine’s life.
2. How often should you clean your fuel system?
You should do basic car fuel system cleaning (e.g., using fuel additives to clean the injectors) should be done once every 10,000 km or once every two years, whichever comes first.
3. How do I know if my fuel system needs cleaning?
Common signs that your fuel system needs cleaning include rough starts and idling, decreased power, and an engine that feels sluggish whenever you accelerate.
4. Can I clean the fuel system myself?
You can utilise some fuel system cleaning methods yourself, like pouring additives into the fuel tank.
However, more thorough cleaning methods (e.g., injector or fuel tank cleaning) require more labour and specialised equipment. For those methods, you’re better off hiring a qualified professional to do it for you.
Know When to Call the Pro
Remember: your fuel system is critical to the overall function of your car, and mistakes can jeopardise its safety. So, it’s always best to call in the professionals for this one.
You can find qualified automotive businesses to help with your fuel system cleaning by checking the Directory over at Carpart.com.au. There, the dropdown menu lets you filter out the precise services you need to speed up the process.
By Ray Hasbollah