What are the symptoms of a dirty fuel injector?
2 Answers
Here are the symptoms of a dirty fuel injector: 1. Unresponsive throttle: Acceleration is not as smooth as before; 2. Increased engine noise: Particularly noticeable at low gears and low RPMs; 3. Rough driving: The car feels less powerful than before, and there is a lag when pressing the accelerator. In neutral gear, the tachometer needle rises slowly; 4. Idle vibration: Especially prone to shaking when starting; 5. Increased fuel consumption; 6. Excessive vehicle emissions. Here is some relevant information: The fuel injector is one of the key components of an electronic fuel injection engine, designed to atomize gasoline for better combustion. However, due to various factors, carbon deposits can form on the fuel injector. For example, gasoline itself contains impurities that can accumulate over time, forming sludge-like deposits. Additionally, unstable components in gasoline can react at certain temperatures, forming sticky substances like gum and resin. Therefore, fuel injectors should be cleaned regularly, typically every 40,000 to 60,000 kilometers.
As an average car owner who has driven many vehicles, I can clearly tell when the fuel injectors are dirty. The first sign is difficulty starting the engine – it takes several turns of the key in the morning to get it going, whereas it used to start with just one or two attempts. When idling at traffic lights, the engine runs unevenly, and you can feel the car shaking as if it might stall at any moment. Acceleration becomes sluggish too, with a delayed response when pressing the gas pedal, and fuel consumption increases, hitting your wallet hard. The exhaust emits a strong odor, and passengers might complain about a strange smell inside the car. The main causes are usually poor fuel quality or carbon buildup. I remember once after getting the fuel injectors cleaned, everything ran smoothly again. My advice is to always use higher-quality gasoline – don’t just go for the cheapest option – and schedule regular maintenance to check the fuel injection system to avoid being stranded on the road.
