Learn More About Fuel System Maintenance

Many drivers only think about their fuel system when they need to add gas to the tank. However, there are many components of a vehicle’s fuel system that need attention. Preventing leaks is a matter of safety and if your fuel system gets clogged, you could experience poor performance and even engine stalling. The Volvo Cars Silver Spring service team is here to keep your vehicle running right with fuel services that focus on every component in the fuel system.

Fuel Filter

Most engines have a filter inline on the feed side of the fuel system. This filter cleans all of the fuel going into your engine and prevents any debris from entering the engine through the fuel. This debris can come from the gas itself or from other parts of the fuel system and can clog up the fuel injectors or damage the engine. Some vehicles have more than one filter, providing even more protection. It’s important that these filters are changed regularly. If they become too clogged up, enough fuel won’t be delivered to the engine, resulting in poor performance.

Fuel Injectors

The fuel injectors are what deliver the fuel into the cylinder in modern direct injection engines. They have tiny holes that allow the exact right amount of fuel to flow through. If you wait too long before changing your fuel filter, these holes can become clogged, starving your engine of fuel. Without the proper amount of fuel, your engine will stutter or stall. In more serious situations, it can damage your engine. Fuel injectors can also get stuck open, sending too much fuel into the engine, putting out the spark from the spark plugs, and causing a misfire. 

Fuel Pump

Your vehicle’s fuel pump is located inside the fuel tank. It pumps the fuel from the tank to the fuel rail, where it goes through the fuel injectors and into the engine. The fuel system relies on the fuel pump to push fuel through at a certain pressure. As the fuel pump gets older, it can weaken. Without enough fuel pressure, your vehicle can show similar symptoms to a clogged fuel filter or dirty fuel injectors.

Fuel Lines

Fuel lines run the length of your vehicle, from the tan to the engine, and are a mixture of hard metal lines and soft rubber ones. These should be inspected often for any damage. If one of the metal lines gets kinked, it can drastically reduce or completely stop the flow of fuel. The rubber lines are even more important. Those lines can more easily crack or split, leading to a dangerous leak. Rubber hoses and the hose clamps should be replaced as they age to ensure a proper seal and reduce the chance for a leak. 

Your fuel system delivers fuel into your engine. It's more complicated than most people realize but very simple to maintain with some diligence. If you suspect your vehicle is having fuel-related issues, or simply would like it serviced, contact the Volvo Cars Silver Spring team today. Our technicians can keep you on the road for miles to come.