How to Improve Your Auto

A fuel injector is an electric valve that supplies pressurised fuel into the vehicle's engine. Below is a detailed article on the work of fuel injectors. 

Fuel injectors

The injectors atomise pressurised fuel from the fuel tank and spray it as a fine mist into the inlet manifold. Here, the fuel mixes with air as it enters the combustion chamber where detonation takes place. There are two categories of fuel injection systems. One continuous injection system sprays the fine mist as long as the engine is running. Another timed injection system sprays the fuel in equal bursts during the engine's induction stroke.  

Fuel injector maintenance

Fuel injectors become clogged over time. As such, it would be advisable to clean your injectors once in a while. A fuel additive is a liquid that removes carbon deposits and gunk in the fuel tank, fuel lines, injectors or carburettor. Typically, you will add the liquid to a full tank of fuel. You should then drive the vehicle until the fuel tank is nearly empty. Improve the effectiveness of the process by repeating it after two weeks. 

Alternatively, you could ask your mechanic to clean the fuel injectors. Do not attempt to conduct pressurised injector cleaning at home as you could ruin the injectors. 

Common fuel injector problems

How can you detect a fuel injector problem? Below are a few tips. 

• If your vehicle does not start or has poor idling, you could be dealing with a faulty fuel injector.
• Faulty injectors could spray too much fuel into the engine. As such, your vehicle's fuel consumption could significantly increase.
• If the fuel injectors are dysfunctional, your car's performance will drastically reduce. You may also have a problem overtaking or reaching a certain RPM.
• If your vehicle has a fuel odour, you could be dealing with a leaking injector.
• In severe cases, faulty injectors will lead to an engine knock.  

Purchasing fuel injectors

Use the OEM number on your injectors to identify injectors that are compatible with your car. Seek the advice of your mechanic or fellow car enthusiasts when purchasing performance fuel injectors. When buying used fuel injectors or fuel injection parts, thoroughly inspect the parts for signs of damage or the presence of carbon deposits. Preferably, work with a seller that provides guarantees on the used part. Also, ask your mechanic to clean the injectors before installing them in your car. 

Fuel injectors are a vital component of your vehicle's fuel injection system. Conduct regular maintenance and replace the parts if they are no longer functional.