Pumps for fuel are integral parts of your vehicle’s fuel system. They keep the fuel flow going by transferring it from the tank to the engine. Over time, with use, the pumps can start to fail due to wear and tear. This can lead to problems like stalling or running out of gas mid-drive; both scenarios are dangerous and should be avoided at all costs! Thankfully, there are some preventative measures you can take as a driver that will help prolong the lifespan of your fuel pump while also increasing its efficiency and safety:
Never keep the fuel pump empty
They are mechanical devices that rely on the presence of fuel to lubricate the internal components. For example, if you let your car’s tank run dry, even for just a few minutes, you risk damaging the pump. This can cause premature failure and necessitate replacement.
If you want to get the most out of your fuel pump’s lifespan, keeping your tank full at all times—even when you’re parked or not driving anywhere is best. That way, if something unexpected happens and there’s an interruption in everyday driving habits, there won’t be any problems with starting up again as soon as possible without worrying about having enough gas in reserve.
Change fuel filters
Most experts agree that changing your fuel filter every 30,000 miles is a good idea. The most important thing about this step is using the right fuel filter for your car. If you don’t do this, you could end up with an engine that won’t turn over or stalled at stoplights! You can find out what kind of fuel filter your car needs by asking a mechanic or checking the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve found out which type to get for your vehicle, go ahead and replace it according to the directions in its box.
Add anti-ethanol agent
Ethanol is an alcohol-based fuel additive implemented in many regions, like the US, to reduce pollution. Ethanol raises gasoline’s octane rating, allowing engines to run more efficiently and create fewer carbon emissions.
However, ethanol can damage internal engine components if your vehicle’s internal components are not properly handled. This can lead to premature failure of essential parts such as fuel pumps and injectors, which may result in costly repairs or replacement.
To prevent this, add a quality anti-ethanol agent into your gas tank every time you fill up with regular unleaded fuel.
Use Only Quality Fuel
Quality fuel is vital for several reasons, but mainly because it can help keep your fuel pump from wearing out prematurely. If you’re unsure what makes a quality fuel, here’s a quick rundown:
- The first thing to look for is the octane rating. Octane ratings determine how easily your car’s engine will accelerate and how much power it can produce without knocking or pinging. The higher the octane rating on your gasoline, the more resistant it’ll be to pre-ignition (knocking), which causes damage to components like spark plugs and pistons within an internal combustion engine.
- A high level of detergent additives protects against rusting and corrosion inside your fuel tank and around its hoses and fittings. This means less wear-and-tear when those components are eventually replaced with new ones.
Maintaining the pump is essential because it can be expensive to replace. However, if you take care of your car and follow these tips, you’ll save money and prevent unnecessary repairs.