Cleaning a fuel pump regularly helps maintain optimal performance and extends its lifespan. According to the Automotive Repair Industry, improper maintenance of the fuel system can reduce fuel pump efficiency by up to 20%, resulting in lower fuel pressure and poor engine performance. The typical lifespan of a fuel pump is around 100,000 miles, but neglecting regular cleaning can reduce this by up to 30%. It is recommended to use a fuel system cleaner that will eliminate the debris, carbon, and varnish deposits building up in the pump and fuel lines while cleaning. A product like Techron Fuel System Cleaner can be used to clean injectors and restore functionality in the pump; one bottle of this product costs from $10 to $20. Indeed, according to a test conducted by Consumer Reports in 2020, vehicles treated with such cleaners showed a 15% gain in fuel economy and ran much more smoothly after just one application.
The fuel filter replacement intervals, typically every 30,000 miles, are also maintained in order not to let the contaminants clog the fuel pump. Contaminants in the fuel system, like dirt or rust particles, clog the pump and force it to work harder, thus leading to shortened life. In extreme cases, if the fuel system is not cleaned, failure of the pump altogether may occur, which is rather costly to replace: the price ranges from $200 to $1,200 depending on the make and model of the car.
As it often does, the 2018 Ford F-150 recall demonstrates how many manufacturers will try to drive home the point of proper fuel system maintenance. Electric fuel pumps in these vehicles can fail due to poor maintenance of fuel filters and pumps. Following the recall, Ford recommended cleaning the pump and replacing the filter to avoid performance issues, which cost owners roughly $400 per service appointment. Also, regular cleaning of a Fuel Pump will prevent pricey repair work and smoothen overall engine efficiency that would offer economic mileage by 5-10% improvement.