Cars have evolved a drastic amount over the last ten years, and one of the largest issues that manufacturers have addressed with mechanical and technological advancements is the amount of fuel that is used by the engine. As a result, the fuel systems in our modern cars can be pretty complex. Fortunately, the most complex ways that our cars save fuel involve programming in the ECU (engine control unit).

How does my fuel system work?

As you probably know, or could have guessed, the vast majority of fuel within your car’s fuel system is held in the gas tank. Every time you stop at the station to refuel, the gasoline is pumped into the gas tank. From there, the gasoline must go through a few more steps before it reaches the engine.

First, the gas enters the fuel pump. This pump is what physically moves fuel out of the gas tank. Some vehicles have multiple fuel pumps or even multiple gas tanks, but the system functions the same. The benefit to having more than one fuel pump is that the fuel can’t slosh from one end of the tank to the other when turning or driving on an incline, leaving the fuel pumps dry, meaning that at least one pump will have fuel going to it at any given time.

Second, the fuel is pushed into the fuel lines by the fuel pump. These lines are hard metal pipes that run from the tank to the engine. They are installed in parts of the vehicle where they’ll avoid as much element exposure as possible and won’t get too hot from the vehicle’s exhaust or other components.

Third, through the fuel lines, the gasoline travels to the fuel filter, which removes and impurities or debris before the gas gets into the engine. This step is very important and having your car serviced regularly to ensure that you have a clean fuel filter is key to ensuring that your engine runs clean and has a long life-span.

Finally, the fuel reaches the engine, specifically the combustion chamber within the engine, via the fuel injectors, which can be either mechanical (less common) or electronic.

Pitfalls within your Fuel Line Systems

While updated technology has improved the way our cars run and burn fuel, this system is not impervious to damage or malfunction just like any other part of your vehicle. Carbon deposits can build up on critical engine components such as intake valves, fuel injectors, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valves, and in the combustion chamber. This build up can cause problems like engine hesitation, loss of power, poor idle quality, misfires, knocking, poor fuel economy, and hard starting.

We use quality fuel system cleaners and conditioners to thoroughly clean your fuel system components and remove combustion chamber deposits. Our fuel products restore fuel economy and engine performance to get your vehicle operating just like new.

Contact Eagle Transmission Mansfiled for more information or to schedule an appointment for our free initial diagnostic service.