If you’ve ever had your car stall on the side of the road, it was possibly due to your fuel pump. A fuel pump problem can be tricky to diagnose and harder to fix, but as long as you know what to look out for, you can save yourself money and spare yourself the hassle of dealing with emergency roadside assistance in the middle of nowhere. Here are three warning signs that your fuel pump might be failing and what you can do about them. (Hint: you might want to schedule an appointment with your mechanic ASAP.)
Rough Driving
One of the most common symptoms of a failing fuel pump is rough driving. If your vehicle hesitates when coming out of a stop or has poor acceleration, the fuel pump may be the culprit. Also, If your car surges while attempting to accelerate, the fuel pump may be the issue. Pay close attention to when the vehicle is stopped, and you try to accelerate; this is when you will likely detect fuel pump problems.
Your Vehicle Stalls
The fuel pump is responsible for the flow of fuel to the engine, and when this task is not performed correctly, your car’s engine will not run as usual. Unfortunately, one of the more common symptoms of a failing fuel pump is a stalling engine. Since fuel pump problems can arrive without warning, your car could potentially stall at any point, even while driving.
Loss of Power
Finally, another common problem caused by a bad fuel pump is a loss of power. When the fuel-air mixture inside your car’s engine does not have enough fuel, the engine is said to be “running lean.” This will result in poor performance and a loss of power. Keep in mind that a failing fuel pump eventually will stop working altogether, so it’s essential to see your mechanic once you notice your vehicle is suffering from a loss of power.
Your car’s fuel pump is a vital component of your vehicle; your vehicle won’t run without it. However, fuel pump replacement is best left to a professional, especially on vehicles with fuel pumps mounted inside the gas tank. Fortunately, your mechanic can get your fuel pump issues solved relatively quickly and put your car back on the road. However, if you suspect that your fuel pump is on its last leg, see your car care professional as soon as possible.