Can the car still be driven if the fuel injector is broken?
4 Answers
It is recommended not to drive the vehicle if the fuel injector is broken. A car with a faulty fuel injector can start, but it will experience severe shaking, inability to accelerate, lack of power, and significantly higher fuel consumption. In severe cases, it may damage the engine. The reasons for a faulty fuel injector are as follows: 1. Internal spring fatigue, leading to reduced elasticity. Each fuel injection compresses the spring once, and prolonged engine operation can cause the spring to fatigue. 2. Breakage due to poor spring quality. 3. Clogged injector nozzle, caused by improper fuel-to-air ratio, incomplete combustion, and excessive carbon buildup, leading to blockage. 4. Wear of the fuel needle due to poor quality or natural wear over time. If the injector nozzle is clogged, it can be cleaned. For the other three issues, replacement is the only solution.
With years of research in automobiles, theoretically, a vehicle may still start and barely move a short distance if the fuel injector is faulty, but it is highly discouraged to drive under such conditions. This is because the fuel injector is responsible for precisely controlling fuel injection. A malfunction can lead to uneven fuel supply, causing symptoms like severe engine shaking, poor acceleration, and a sharp increase in fuel consumption. In severe cases, the engine may stall, posing significant safety hazards. Particularly at high speeds, sudden stalling carries a high risk of accidents or damage to components like the catalytic converter, potentially doubling repair costs. The correct course of action is to stop driving immediately and have the vehicle towed to a professional repair shop for diagnosis. Cleaning the fuel injector costs approximately 300-500 RMB, while replacement ranges from 500-2000 RMB depending on the vehicle model. For prevention, it is recommended to use high-quality gasoline from reputable sources and add fuel system cleaner every 10,000 kilometers to reduce clogging and ensure efficient engine operation.
Having driven for decades, I know that even if the car can still move a short distance with a faulty fuel injector, it struggles like an old ox pulling a cart. The engine shakes violently, struggles to accelerate, and fuel consumption skyrockets. Long trips are out of the question—not only is there a high risk of stalling and accidents, but it could also damage the catalytic converter, leading to costly repairs. I insist on stopping immediately upon discovery and calling a tow truck for repairs. I usually use 95-octane fuel and perform a fuel system cleaning every six months, which has proven quite effective in preventing fuel injector issues.
As a car owner, I've experienced a faulty fuel injector. After starting the car, it shook violently and accelerated slowly. I didn't dare to risk driving far, fearing a sudden stall could cause danger. After consulting a mechanic, I confirmed it was only safe for short-distance movements like moving in a garage, but definitely avoid driving on roads. Replacing the fuel injector cost over 600 yuan, but timely repairs prevented potential hazards. Using regular 92-octane or higher fuel for daily refueling and performing regular inspections and maintenance can effectively reduce the likelihood of such problems.
