30 Apr Do My Car’s Fuel Injectors Really Need Cleaning?
Many of us are pinching pennies every way we can, so it is understandable to question if we can put off some of our car maintenance tasks this spring. If your fuel injector’s cleaning interval is due, you may wonder if you need it. The answer to that question depends on a few factors. Older model cars often require more service appointments than newer cars. Plus, certain driver habits can create situations that can impact vehicle health. Car issues like bad gas economy and poor engine performance may indicate clogged fuel injectors that could require a routine auto maintenance service appointment.
What Do Fuel Injectors Do?
Fuel injectors are small but important components in the engine. They inject a fine fuel mist from the fuel tank via the fuel pump into the engine’s cylinders. The spark plugs ignite the fuel mist, creating a mini explosion that provides power to your vehicle.
What Causes Them To Get Dirty?
Combustion engines create tiny explosions over and over again to generate energy that moves your car. Over time, these explosions leave behind residues like soot, varnish, and tar. When these residues build up and harden, the fuel required to create combustion becomes restricted. For most modern vehicles, current engine and fuel injector designs limit the factors that create build-up. However, older vehicles and car owner behaviors can greatly affect how dirty your vehicle’s fuel injectors get.
Older Model Cars
New cars have a lot of design improvements, especially in the last 10 years or so. Electronic sensors and more efficient components have paved the way for better gas economy and improved engine performance over the cars our parents drove. If you drive an older model vehicle, you may need to schedule more routine auto maintenance services to clean the fuel injectors than your neighbor with the same make and model car but a decade newer.
Low-Quality Gasoline
It may be tempting to buy the cheapest gas you can find. But, as with everything, you get what you pay for. Buying cheap, low-quality gasoline may cost you more money in the long run. Let me explain. Federal guidelines require automotive fuels to contain detergent additives; however, the quality and quantity of detergent differ by gas brands. Low-quality gasolines contain lower amounts (or a lower quality) of detergent additives that allow gradual residue build-up. The best automotive fuels are rated ‘Top Tier’ gasoline through an independent testing program. Auto manufacturers often specify using ‘Top Tier’ gasoline grades in the owner’s manual. If you choose the cheapest gas option, you may need more frequent fuel injector cleaning services.
Poor Routine Auto Maintenance
Ignoring routine auto maintenance tasks can also contribute to dirty fuel injectors. Delaying regular oil changes and driving with dirty air and fuel filters can contaminate your vehicle’s engine components. A clean engine is a happy engine. Additional wear and tear occurs when important routine maintenance tasks are delayed or ignored.
Benefits Of Clean Fuel Injectors
Taking care of your car is investing in your future. Automobiles are expensive to replace, so using quality, ‘Top Tier’ gasoline and scheduling routine auto maintenance tasks are essential to extending your car’s lifespan. If you find yourself in a situation where your vehicle starts acting strangely, take a minute to jot down the symptoms. If you notice the following issues, it may be time to schedule a fuel injector service:
- Poor engine performance
- Bad gas economy
- Frequent trips to the gas station
- Weird engine noises (misfires, stuttering, coughing)
- Stronger-than-normal-smelling exhaust fumes
Better Gas Economy
Bad gas economy is one of the most frequent symptoms of clogged or dirty fuel injectors. Clean fuel injectors allow the fuel system to administer the precise gas amount to the engine for efficient combustion.
Fewer Trips To The Gas Station
Better gas economy means fewer trips to the gas station, which equals more money in your wallet every month.
Improved Engine Performance
A vehicle’s engine requires a constant fuel flow for combustion. Clogs and dirty injectors in the fuel injection system greatly reduce power when accelerating. Your vehicle will have improved engine performance with fuel injectors free of clogs from accumulated debris and carbon build-up.
Lower Emissions
Clogged fuel injectors disrupt the fuel’s spray pattern, leading to incomplete combustion.
Incomplete combustion increases harmful emissions (i.e., carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides). Lower emissions improve air quality and help your vehicle pass safety and emission tests.
Routine Maintenance: Fuel Injectors
Your vehicle’s fuel injection system requires routine auto maintenance to keep the engine performance in optimal condition. Most manufacturers recommend scheduling a fuel injection service every 45,000 miles or three years (whichever comes first). Your suggested service interval may vary based on your vehicle’s age, make, and model. Read your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle’s fuel injectors’ recommended routine auto maintenance schedule.
Fuel Injectors Service in Plymouth Meeting, PA
Plymouth Auto & Tire Center has a revolutionary Fuel Carbon Cleaning System that cleans your vehicle’s fuel system and removes harmful carbon deposits. It uses specially formulated detergents that soak into and break down hardened carbon deposits. During the cleaning process, the debris is removed and passes through the exhaust. This process and the cleaning solution will not damage your vehicle’s engine or fuel system components.
Make An Appointment
Call Plymouth Auto & Tire Center at (610) 825-6558 or visit our website to make your appointment so one of our ASE-certified technicians can perform this service on your vehicle today!