NorthWest Auto Center
13910 N.E. 20th St., Bellevue, WA 98005 425.747.3402
NorthWest Auto Center Tech Question:
I was driving on a local Bellevue road and my vehicle started sputtering. And then the engine finally quit and I couldn't get it started. I was towed to a shop in Bellevue and found out I had to replace my fuel pump.
What could I have done to have saved my fuel pump?
NorthWest Auto Center Answer:
This is a tough one for Bellevue residents because there isn't any maintenance recommended for fuel pumps. They're inside the fuel tank and you really can't get to them without removing the tank. But Bellevue drivers can do some things to make their job easier so they last a little longer.
A lot of vehicles are equipped with a fuel filter on their gas line. This filters out dirt and rust from the gas tank before it gets to the engine. Replacing a clogged fuel filter as recommended reduces the strain on your fuel pump.
Many newer vehicles driving around Bellevue have their fuel filter inside the fuel tank so it cannot be changed. A good tip for WA residents is to not run the fuel tank too low – this can cause fuel starvation that excessively wears the pump. Also, you can't go wrong using good quality gas with high levels of detergent. This helps prevent the buildup of varnish and gum all along the fuel system.
A professional fuel system cleaning will clean fuel injectors and help remove carbon deposits from the valves and combustion chamber.
All these things improve fuel economy and increase performance. Ask your friendly and knowledgeable professionals at NorthWest Auto Center service advisor if a fuel system cleaning is recommended.
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NorthWest Auto Center
13910 N.E. 20th St.
Bellevue, WA 98005
425.747.3402
At NorthWest Auto Center we install quality NAPA replacement parts.