The fuel system is what delivers fuel for combustion to the engine. It is important to maintain the system so that fuel efficiency and optimal engine performance can be achieved. But there are certain issues that can come with fuel systems so it is important to know how to identify these and the basic solutions.
Fuel is transferred to the car fuel system through the fuel pump. Fuel from the gas tank is pumped into the engine. But with time, the fuel pumps can be subjected to wear and tear which will affect the delivery of fuel. And in severe cases, there will be complete pump failure. However, there are some warning signs of impending fuel pump failure such as poor acceleration of the vehicle, sputtering of the engine and difficulty in vehicle starting. This will require replacement of the fuel pump.
The fuel reaching the engine is free from contaminants and impurities. This is thanks to the role of the fuel filter. But if the fuel filter is clogged, fuel flow can be limited and this will cause a drop in engine performance. Sometimes the engine will start to stall and you will notice a drop in fuel efficiency overall. There are specific intervals when you need to replace the fuel filter.
Clogging is an issue that can happen for the fuel injectors as well
These spray a fine mist of fuel into the cylinders of the engine but when they become clogged, their performance will drop. This means you will notice the vehicle misfiring, rough idling and an overall reduction in engine power. There will also be increased exhaust emissions. In this situation, you can clean the fuel injectors. Sometimes they may need to be replaced. If you notice fuel leaking from the vehicle, one of the reasons this can happen is if your fuel tank is damaged.
When your fuel tank is damaged, in addition to fuel spills, you will notice an odour of fuel coming from the vehicle as well as seeing the fuel range decreasing. Some fuel tanks are made of metal which can lead to corrosion or rust later on. Others are made of plastic but in this situation, it can start leaking because of damage. If you suspect that it is your fuel tank where the leak is coming from, you can have it inspected by a mechanic for required repairs or replacements.
There is a ventilation system for the fuel tank which allows air to enter it
But when there are issues with this system, it will be difficult to refuel which you will notice as unusual noises coming from the general area of the fuel tank. Another reason that fuel can leak from the vehicle is because of corrosion or cracks in the fuel lines. These are made of rubber or metal and with time, there can be a leak that develops. In addition to causing a fuel leak, it will also lead to a drop in fuel pressure which can interfere with the performance of your engine. This can actually be a fire hazard, therefore you need to immediately attend to this.