Though often neglected, your vehicle’s fuel pump plays an important role in your vehicle’s performance. It delivers the gasoline from the tank, through the fuel system, and to the engine, where horsepower is generated.

A weak or damaged fuel pump can manifest in different ways. Below are some of the symptoms that will tell you that your fuel pump is having issues and how to check if it’s time for a fuel pump repair or replacement.

• You hear a fuel tank noise. In most vehicles, fuel pumps running normally can be heard as a quiet whine. In contrast, a bad fuel pump may make an excessively loud, whining sound from your gas tank. You will also hear this loud noise if your tank is contaminated or low on fuel, so it is important to check your fuel level first before bringing your car to a professional for proper diagnosis and repair.

• You have trouble starting your car.

A weak fuel pump may still pump fuel, but it can take more cranks to start than normal. This is caused by an insufficient supply of fuel to the engine.

• Your car sputters and threatens to stall when under stress.

Another indication of a faulty fuel pump is a sputtering engine when you drive uphill, carry a heavy load, or drive at high speeds. In this case, the fuel pump is struggling to provide a constant stream of fuel to the engine to keep up with the increased fuel demands, causing the engine to sputter and eventually shut down.

• Your vehicle is stalling

Stalling can be caused by various problems, but if stalling frequently happens and is accompanied by an increasing temperature gauge, you may have a bad fuel pump motor. Stalling can lead to the fuel pump’s deterioration and will eventually lead to costly repairs or replacement.

• Lower Fuel Efficiency

If there’s an issue with your vehicle’s fuel pump, more gas will be used than normal, and you may notice a decline in fuel mileage from gas being wasted.

• Dead Engine

Finally, if your fuel pump is faulty, you won’t be able to efficiently get gas into the engine to start the car. A dead engine can be caused by other issues within the vehicle, so we recommend having the vehicle properly diagnosed by a licensed mechanic.

How To Avoid Problems With The Fuel Pump

To prolong the life of your vehicle’s fuel pump, use the right gas for your vehicle.

Buying cheap gas without treatment can damage the fuel pump. To know which gas is right for your vehicle, check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Also, avoid running low on fuel, as running the car with a low fuel level will over-stress the fuel pump, wear out the components and damage the fuel pump faster.

If you are experiencing issues with your car’s fuel pump, contact HEART Certified Auto Repair Wilmette. Our licensed and experienced mechanic will assess and repair your fuel pump and other issues in your vehicle. Schedule an appointment with us today.