What Is Fuel Induction Service? 7 Signs Your Car Needs Fuel Cleaning
Is a tank of gas not lasting you as long as usual? Or have you noticed decreased engine performance? If so, you may need to come by for a fuel induction service.
When you start to notice poor fuel economy or engine performance, one of the first places to look is your fuel system. Often, a fuel induction service is all your car needs to get back to normal!
What Is Fuel Induction Service?
When you press the gas pedal, fuel goes from the fuel tank through the fuel pump, fuel lines and fuel filter to the fuel injectors. This is where the action happens! The fuel injection system sprays fuel into the engine combustion chambers, and air intake valves allow air into the chambers. The fuel-air mixture is then ignited by spark plugs, causing small explosions that power your engine.
Carbon deposits from impurities in the fuel and fuel additives build up in the system over time. These deposits inhibit the free flow of fuel, which reduces engine performance and fuel efficiency.
A fuel induction service removes the harmful buildup from the system, restoring your vehicle to peak performance and efficiency!
The terms fuel induction service, fuel injector service and fuel cleaning service are often used interchangeably, but the actual service performed varies from one auto repair shop to another.
At Virginia Tire & Auto, our fuel induction service combines high-tech fuel injector cleaner and old-fashioned elbow grease to remove deposits from the fuel injectors and throttle body. We also add a fuel cleaning additive to the fuel tank to help break up any remaining fuel deposits in the system.
Fuel Induction Service vs. Fuel System Cleaner
If you don’t want to shell out the money for a fuel induction service, you may be able to resolve your fuel system issues with just the fuel cleaning additive. Fuel cleaner typically costs around $20–$40 per bottle, whereas a full fuel induction service costs at least $150.
Adding a fuel cleaner to your tank every 5,000–15,000 miles may help you stay ahead of carbon buildup in your fuel system. However, it can only do so much. If you continue to notice performance issues, then talk to your mechanic about getting a fuel induction service.
When Do I Need Fuel Induction Service?
A fuel induction service is typically not part of the mileage-based maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. That said, it should still be part of your car maintenance routine.
We recommend it every 60,000 miles or whenever you notice performance issues. A complete fuel system cleaning is not recommended as a preventative service; it is only necessary when you are experiencing problems.
Signs that your vehicle needs a fuel induction service include:
- Emissions inspection failure
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Engine pinging or knocking
- Rough idling
- Hard starting
- Slower acceleration
- Power loss while driving
Can I DIY a Fuel Induction Service?
If you have experience working on cars and have all the equipment you need, a fuel induction service can be a DIY project. But as with most vehicle repairs, this is a service best left to the pros!
For high-quality service from experienced, qualified technicians, bring your vehicle to one of Virginia Tire & Auto’s auto repair shops! Plus, all our fuel system repair work is backed by a 24,000-mile/24-month service warranty.