I still remember the day that I bought my first car. I thought it was the most perfect vehicle in the world, and I vowed to care for it diligently. Unfortunately, within a few days I had forgotten about my promise, and I started tossing fast food wrappers in the back like everyone else. After awhile I realized that neglecting my car was turning the inside into a garbage pit, and I decided to learn how to take better care of my vehicle. I took a class on auto detailing, and it really helped me to turn things around. I want to teach you what I learned, so you should read this blog.
Your vehicle's fuel pump, like its name would suggest, pumps fuel from your fuel tank to your engine, and as such is an integral part of the operation of your vehicle. If it begins to operate poorly or improperly, your vehicle may find itself unable to operate at all and leave you stranded somewhere. Thankfully, there are a number of warning signs of a failing fuel pump that you can keep your eye out for so you can head to a mechanic before it becomes a real problem.
Engine Stuttering
If your fuel pump is just beginning to malfunction, it may have problems delivering a steady supply of fuel to your engine. This can lead to engine stuttering while driving, in which your car jerks around or vibrates suddenly (even without altering your current speed). Such stuttering does not necessarily have to slow your car down or even occur at high speeds, and will usually go back to normal fairly quickly (though if the problem lasts longer, your fuel pump is likely in worse shape).
Surging and Stopping
Another common symptom of a malfunctioning fuel pump is sudden variations in the speed of your vehicle without adding or removing pressure from your gas pedal. You can either speed up or slow down suddenly. This is a more serious problem than simple engine stuttering, as this actually alters the amount of control you have over your vehicle, increasing the likelihood of an accident or collision occurring.
Rough Acceleration
If your fuel pump can no longer provide a steady stream of fuel to your engine, you may find that you have trouble accelerating smoothly. This usually takes the form of your car seeming to stall while accelerating, before regaining traction and continuing to move normally. This is a sign that your fuel pump is starting to wear down, and is not able to keep up with the demands of your engine.
Failure to Start
If you ignore the above signs, this is the last and most serious one you'll notice. Turning the ignition will cause the engine to turn over but without actually catching. Another clear sign that your car's failure to start can be attributed to the fuel pump is if you can turn on the battery and electrical systems within your vehicle, but still cannot start your car. You'll have to contact a tow truck and head to a mechanic to have your fuel pump replaced.
For more information about having your fuel pump replaced, contact a company like P & T Automotive Repair.
Share2 August 2016
