Understanding When To Replace Your Volkswagen Fuel Injector

A few decades ago, carburetors regulated the mixture of oxygen and fuel necessary to create internal combustion by employing a complex series of reservoirs, valves, and checkpoints. Unfortunately, it couldn’t ensure that all cylinders were receiving the same mixture of fuel and oxygen. By 1980, car designers had discovered a better way to do it. Instead of relying on a complex architecture of valves and gaskets, fuel injectors are computerized- so when your Volkswagen’s fuel injector is working properly, each cylinder is getting just the right mixture of oxygen and fuel for efficient combustion and engine performance.

A faulty fuel injector won’t cause big, immediate problems such as a failure to run, but over time, it can seriously throw off engine performance. Your Volkswagen’s fuel injector plays a vital role in the smooth and efficient running of your engine, and if it fails or begins to work poorly, the engine performance gradually deteriorates. Without proper replacement or repair, what starts out as a faulty fuel injector can end up causing extensive- and expensive- damage. The experts at The Auto Parts Network suggest replacing your fuel injector every 100,000 miles.

Five Symptoms of a Faulty Fuel Injector

• Decreased MPG: A sudden, unexplained decrease in your vehicle’s MPG rate could be caused by a fuel injector malfunction that allows excess fuel into the engine.

• Can’t beat the heat: A vehicle with a healthy fuel injector can start no matter what the temperature is, but one with a faulty injector will have start up issues when the temperature rises.

• Missing your idle: Since your Volkswagen’s fuel injector is responsible for the flow of gas into the engine, a malfunction can cause irregular gas flow and combustion- which is externally noticeable as rough or sputtering engine idling, also known as engine missing.

• Restriction check: When a mechanic performs an engine check on your vehicle, the fuel injector ports are tested to make sure that gas can easily flow through. Slowed or restricted gas flow is a red flag for a fuel injector gone bad.

• Gas leaks: Cracks in the fuel injector housing or attachment line can lead to gas leaks around the manifold and engine block. This is one of the most dangerous issues your fuel injector can have, since it could result in an engine fire. Smelling gasoline while your driving is a clue that you could have a leaky fuel injector.

Improve Your Vehicle MPG With A Little Help From The Auto Parts Network

Remember the days when gas prices weren’t in a constant state of flux? You could choose between $1.35 and $1.25 per gallon and never even have to contemplate the idea that next week gas prices could be up to $2.00 per gallon. While thankfully we’re no longer paying the all time high, gas prices are still pretty steep compared to what they were a mere decade ago, they’re likely to continue their upward trend in the future. Fuel economy, and getting the best mileage per gallon, has become an important issue.

So You’ve Got A Fuel Efficient Honda- Now What?

So you’re doing your part to lessen the fuel footprint- and your gas prices- by trading in your Dodge Ram for the more economical Honda Element, but gas prices still make driving everywhere you need to go an expensive proposition. Short of getting yourself an electric car- and all of the accessibility issues that come with a vehicle that requires an alternative fuel source, is there anything else you can do? Absolutely! As any mechanic or mod fan knows, cars are some of the most versatile- and modifiable- machinery in the world, and a little bit of special attention- and some help from the Auto Parts Network- can go a long way.

Learn From The Pros

These pro tips can help you get the best MPG out of your Honda Element- or whatever vehicle you own.

• Up Your Air Flow: Replacing your factory air filter with a high performance Honda Element K&N air filter can up your engine efficiency and fuel economy by as much as 14%.

• Keep Your Tires In Shape: Saggy tires can be a drag- literally- on your fuel efficiency. Check your owner’s manual for the optimum tire pressure for your vehicle.

• Monitor Your Motor Oil: Keep your engine running smoothly by making sure you’ve got the correct amount- and the correct grade- of motor oil. The wrong grade of motor oil can significantly lower your engines efficiency and MPG, so stick with the grade recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

• Stay Oxygenated: The engine oxygen sensor regulates fuel consumption, so if you notice a sudden decrease in MPG, check out your Honda Element’s oxygen sensor.