Fuel pumps are very expensive to replace, so preventing damage to your fuel pump will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars with extending the life of the fuel pump. Most fuel pumps are meant to last between 100,000 and 150,000 miles ( some over To expand the life of a fuel pump there are certain driving habits and maintenance practices that can help — or hinder.
The greatest threat to your fuel pump is letting your vehicle wallow in an empty tank. Gasoline is used to cool and lubricate the fuel pump. Under normal driving conditions, when a vehicle gets down to below one-quarter tank, the pump must work harder but doesn't have enough fuel around it to keep it cool so the fuel can over heat and prematurely wear out. Automotive experts told us running low on fuel all the time could cut the life of that pump by 30%.
An additional vital point in actually looking after your fuel pump is to switch out the gas filter from time to time. The Fuel Filter traps debris, rust, and all contaminants before they hit the pump and injectors. When there is a clogged filter the pump must push harder to get fuel through and has a greater chance of overheating and failing. Depending on driving conditions and fuel quality, most manufacturers reommend a change every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Good quality fuel is also crucial to keep those wins coming up. Impurities such as water and particles – and occasionally quality-related impurities such as conducting liquids, metal shavings or solder connections left in the tank – can enter an open fuel system via low-quality (and counterfeit) fuels. Fuel contamination incidents, particularly in the Midwest over a series of weeks last summer, prompted thousands of consumers to need repairs to their fuel systems at great expense—some requiring replacement fuel pumps. Buy fuel news from better stations to make sure there is not only no dirt but also low quality of it.
Another way you can save your fuel pump from ruin is to maintain a great electrical system. The fuel pump relay and associated wiring deliver power to the pump, and problems with hooks or wires will often results in an inconsistent delivery of power. As this happens, the pump works irregularly which can lead to a damaged one. Checking the fuel pump relay routinely and making sure electrical connections are secure can prevent these things.
Adding a fuel system cleaner in some cases will help keep your pump running at peak efficiency by removing carbon deposits and other gunk that builds up inside the system. This is the truth for many applications, but it comes down to using products rated for use with your vehicle and as prescribed by your manufacturer.
You Can Avoid Damaging Your Fuel Pump One way to help your fuel pump is indirectly by keeping your tires properly inflated and reducing the load of useless things in your car. When the engine has to work harder due to extra weight or low tire pressure, it requires more fuel and places additional load on the pump.
In the end, it all boils down to a mix of nice driving habits and regular maintenance with top-grade fuel will greatly increase the life expectancy of your Fuel Pump. By adhering to these preventive measures, you can avoid expensive repairs and protect the efficiency of your fuel system for many years into the future.