This is the time of year where families hit the road to visit loved ones. Whether you’re making a quick trip up to Phoenix or driving out of the state, you want your car in good working condition.

One service you might need before you leave is a fuel system cleaning.

How Your Fuel System Works

A fuel system cleaning looks different today than it did a few decades ago.

When you step on the gas pedal, fuel is sent through an injector to your engine.

Older cars use a carburetor to send fuel to the engine. These parts stopped being used because they weren’t as efficient with how much fuel was sent each time the pedal was compressed.

Now, fuel is sent electronically using a fuel injection system controlled by a computer rather than an inefficient carburetor. Although these systems are more efficient, they are also complex.

What is a Fuel System Cleaning?

To keep your fuel injectors working efficiently, it’s important that the entire system is kept clean. In the desert, we often have dust and debris build up on fuel systems, especially after a hot summer with monsoon rains. If you haven’t had your fuel system cleaned in over 60,000 miles, it’s time.

Period cleanings keep dirt and debris out of your engine. If your engine gets dirty, it can slow down your acceleration and eventually cause serious mechanical problems.

To know if you need a fuel system cleaning, monitor your gas mileage. If your car continues to be economical on fuel and you haven’t seen a significant decrease in your average miles per tank, you probably aren’t ready for a cleaning yet.

However, if you’re noticing poor acceleration and lower gas mileage, a fuel system cleaning might be just the thing you need to get your car working optimally again.

Fuel System Cleanings Aren’t Expensive

It might seem expensive, working with such a complex system to flush out your entire fuel system. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s not as pricey as you might initially think.

Fuel system injector cleanings are less than $100. Because they’re so common, we are able to do them within a matter of a few hours, minimizing your wait times.

If it’s been significantly longer than 60,000 miles since your last fuel system cleaning, we might also recommend a new fuel filter. These cost approximately $50, depending on the make and model of your car.

When considering the amount of fuel savings you’ll see over the long run and the reduced risk of serious engine damage, a fuel system cleaning isn’t expensive.

If you’re not sure whether you’re due for a cleaning, stop in anytime (no appointment necessary) to see if this service is right for you.