The fuel injectors in your car’s engine do more than you might realize, and when they’re not working well, your car’s engine won’t work well, either. Here’s what Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros wants you to know about your car’s fuel injectors.
Your Car’s Fuel Injectors Are a Crucial Part of the Fuel System
Fuel lines carry gasoline from the gas tank to the engine, but the amount of fuel necessary for combustion is carefully controlled. The gas gradually filters down to smaller hoses until it gets to the fuel injectors. There it’s sprayed as a fine mist so that it can mix with the air and hit the spark from the spark plugs at just the right time to provide the combustion your car’s engine needs. If the injectors are clogged or otherwise aren’t working properly, the fuel to air mixture will be off and the engine misfires.
Signs Your Car’s Fuel Injectors Are Clogged
If your car is having trouble starting or seems to be running roughly, that’s a good sign that something is going on with your fuel injectors. You may also feel vibrations when you press the accelerator, because not enough gas is getting through to the engine. Gas mileage, if you’re tracking that, will likely also get worse. Often your best sign of that is that you’re getting gas way more often. Finally, if your check engine light comes on, the culprit might be your fuel injectors.
Signs Your Car’s Fuel Injectors Are Bad
Fuel injectors can also go bad, which produces some of the same signs as clogged fuel injectors. But there are other signs you might see, too. Your engine might misfire or stall, for example. You may also start to smell gasoline or find a fuel leak under your car. The check engine light will also come on if your car’s fuel injectors have failed, so it’s important that you don’t ignore that light.
How Often Should You Have Your Car’s Fuel Injectors Checked?
The best place to find information about your individual car and how often the fuel injectors need to be serviced is your car’s owner’s manual. A good rule of thumb is to have the fuel injectors inspected or cleaned every 15,000 miles or so. That can vary depending on how much you drive and what other variables are in play for you.
Need your fuel injectors cleaned or serviced? Give us a call at Sullivan’s Auto Service & Tire Pros in Seaside, CA. We’ll be happy to take care of that necessary service for you and get you back on the road again quickly.