Why are fuel lines important?
Fuel lines are a vital part of your car’s fuel system. Without a functional fuel line, petrol or diesel will not reach your engine, making your car unusable. The fuel line (or fuel hose) is in charge of delivering petrol or diesel from the fuel tank and fuel pump to the engine. Once petrol or diesel reaches the fuel pump, it is introduced to the engine via fuel injection (newer vehicles) or a carburetor (older vehicles). The engine then burns the fuel, giving your car the power it needs to operate.
When should fuel lines be replaced?
Fuel lines are usually made of reinforced rubber or metal. They are designed not to split or wear over time, meaning that they should last a long time. However, fuel lines can be prone to leaking due to damage. Fuel lines/hoses can also become clogged. This is caused by foreign contaminants finding their way into your car’s fuel system.
Ideally, fuel lines should be inspected and replaced as soon as an issue is noticed. This is because a damaged fuel line can leak petrol or diesel. Since petrol and diesel are very flammable, a fuel leak can be a definite reason for concern. A fuel leak can also prevent your car from working until it is replaced. For this reason, it is usually much more convenient to get it fixed while your car is still running.
Learn more about the risks of driving with a fuel leak
What are the symptoms of fuel line damage?
Below are some of the most common symptoms associated with fuel line problems:
- Puddles of petrol or diesel under the car – You may notice a small puddle of gasoline or diesel forming under your car, then this can be caused by a leak in the fuel lines/hoses. This leak may be accompanied by a strong smell of petrol or diesel.
- Engine performance issues – A leak in the fuel line can limit the amount of fuel that reaches your car’s engine. This can affect the engine’s performance, resulting in sluggish acceleration and reduced power.
- Check engine light – When there is not enough fuel entering your engine, the check engine light may appear on your dashboard.
- Car not starting – As the problem worsens, the damage to your fuel line may completely stop petrol or diesel from reaching your engine. This will prevent the car from starting at all.
Damaged fuel lines are not the only thing that can cause a strong smell of petrol. Learn more about what else can cause petrol leaks.
Fuel Line / Hose Diagnostics and Replacement in Hamilton
Is your car in need of a fuel hose or line replacement? If so, we can help! At Grimmer Motors, our team of experienced mechanics can remove your damaged fuel line and replace it with a new one. This will allow for better engine performance as well as no fuel leaks.
For fuel line replacements in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!