In most modern vehicles, the fuel system is made up of a fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel injectors. These components work together to efficiently deliver fuel into your engine, making it run correctly using the exact amount of fuel your engine needs. Over time, however, dirt, dust, and other debris can make their way into your system, causing buildup on the components. If not cleaned regularly, build up in your fuel system can cause reduced fuel efficiency, loss of power, rough idling, hard starting, a knocking or pinging noise, and increased emissions. A fuel system cleaning removes build up, keeping your engine running at peak performance and ensuring you don’t spend extra money at the pump.
What Happens During a Fuel System Cleaning?
When you bring your vehicle into your participating neighborhood Jiffy Lube®, our highly trained technicians will inspect your entire fuel system to check for additional concerns like leaks. Then, they will carefully clean your fuel system to manufacturer’s specifications to ensure no delicate components are damaged. Here is what the steps typically look like:
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Clean the Injectors
Fuel injectors are responsible for spraying fuel inside of the engine to provide combustion. Build up causes them to be less efficient, often leading to issues with idling or lack of power. A careful cleaning removes build up, helping the injectors operate properly.
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Remove Build-Up From the Throttle Body and Valves
Build-up can also occur in the throttle body, which controls air intake, and the valves, which can result in poor sealing. A fuel system service cleans these components as well, leading to more efficient fuel usage.
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Change the Fuel Filter
Your fuel filter is an important part of keeping your fuel system free of debris, but over time build-up can make it less effective at performing its duty. Similar to an oil filter, it does require changing at certain mileage intervals to ensure proper operation. Some newer vehicles have the filter integrated as a part of the fuel pump, which means that they do not need to be changed until the fuel filter has to be replaced.
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Add Fuel Additive
The last step is adding a fuel additive to the fuel tank. This helps to remove any moisture, which is bad for your fuel system, and extend the overall lifespan of the fuel system components.
How Can I Tell if I Need a Fuel System Cleaning?
The easiest way to tell is to check your owner’s manual. Your manufacturer will have a recommended schedule for performing fuel system cleanings, which typically ranges from every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Sometimes, harsh driving conditions or poor fuel quality can cause your vehicle to need a fuel system cleaning a little bit sooner. Common signs that your vehicle needs this service include decreased fuel economy, rough idle, problems starting your vehicle, or a loss of power when trying to accelerate.
If you can’t remember the last time you had your fuel system cleaned, and you are experiencing signs of poor performance, it may be time to have this important service done. A fuel system cleaning not only helps to increase your gas mileage, it also helps to keep your engine running smooth and strong for years to come.
If you’d like to learn more about our fuel system cleaning services, head over to our website for more information. Or, you can simply stop by your participating neighborhood Jiffy Lube® location, and our highly trained technicians will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
https://www.jiffylube.com/auto-services/engine/fuel-system-cleaning
Jiffy Lube® recommends following manufacturer recommendations, where applicable, for maintenance schedules and service intervals.
Not all services are offered at each Jiffy Lube® location. Please check with your local Jiffy Lube® service center for specific services offered.
Go to ChicagolandJiffyLube.com for services and locations in Chicagoland, Rockford, Northwest Indiana and Southeast Wisconsin.
Jiffy Lube® Service Centers are owned and operated by independent franchisees.