The fuel pump is an important part of your car’s fuel supply system. Delivers fuel at optimum pressure from the fuel tank to the engine. A well-functioning fuel pump helps your car run efficiently. However, due to various reasons, it is prone to wear. To avoid this, you need to take some preventive measures, which not only help you avoid sudden pump failure but also increase its lifespan. The following are some preventative tips.
Avoid using contaminated/low quality fuel:
Contaminated or poor quality fuel affects engine performance. Research shows that it is the main reason for half of engine failures. Contaminants affect the functionality of the fuel pump and therefore the engine. They put more load on the pump and therefore cause excessive wear.
Avoid the use of low quality fuel that does not meet optimal parameters such as viscosity, calorific value, flash point, etc. It is sensible to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines in this regard. Also, make sure you recharge your car at reliable and trustworthy gas stations.
Do not run the vehicle on low fuel:
This is important because running the vehicle on low fuel will cause contaminants to settle (at the bottom of the tank). This clogs the fuel filter and causes fuel pump failure.
It is also important to make sure that the fuel tank is not nearly empty. Running the engine in such a condition can expose the fuel pump to heat, eventually affecting its functionality.
Avoid the use of cheap additives:
Car owners try to use additives on the assumption that these additives will improve the performance and mileage of their vehicle. But the fact is, additives don’t do much good if you already have a healthy vehicle and are using the correct octane level your vehicle requires.
Some cheap additives can contain corrosive chemicals that can damage sensitive parts of the engine system, such as fuel filters, injectors, and the pump. Therefore, it is sensible to avoid the use of cheap additives.
Replace filters and strainers regularly:
Replace the fuel tank filter and one that is associated with the injectors. Be sure to replace these filters once every 3 to 6 months or whenever they become blocked.
Also, replace the fuel filters. They help filter waste. Over time, debris built up in the filters can block the flow of fuel and can result in suboptimal fuel pump operation and even failure. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when replacing filters and strainers.
Regularly clean and maintain the fuel tank:
The fuel tank accumulates dirt, debris, water, fungus over time. The sources of these contaminants may be different. Also, storing the vehicle in areas that are prone to flooding could cause water to enter the tank. The fuel itself leads to sedimentation at the bottom of the tank due to oxidation. All this leads to the failure of the filters and the fuel pump. Make sure, therefore, that you clean the tank regularly as recommended by the manufacturer.
The fuel pump works in a similar way to the human heart that distributes blood throughout the body. Its failure causes death. Likewise, your car’s fuel pump is a vital component in the engine system. Following the tips just discussed is likely to prevent pump failure and increase pump life.