The quality of fuel will directly affect the performance and lifecycle of a fuel pump. Fuel with impurities, or of insufficient quality can lower the effectiveness of the pump as it may block filters and injectors causing additional wear to these components. This can include even small things like fuel that has water, dirt or rust in it which would otherwise wreak havoc on the pumps already intricate internal operation. Research indicates that dirty fuel can shorten the life of your car’s gas pump and, instead enduring between 100,000 to 200,000 miles, you may be more in line for a replacement at around every year or two.
Another factor that can cause damage to fuel pumps are ethanol-blended fuels, a common occurrence in many regions. It is widely believed that ethanol absorbs water from the atmosphere, creating a moisture problem in stored fuel tanks. This moisture can, in time create corrosion inside the fuel pump which reduces it effectiveness & likelihood of failure. Ethanol can also break down rubber and plastic parts in older fuel pumps, leading to leaks or faults within the system.
This is demonstrated in real-world examples. From 2017, a number of gas pumps across the U.S. were reportedly selling gasoline contaminated with water and sediment… cascading into increased fuel pump replacements nationwide These events provided a vivid, early example of the money stakes tied to bad fuel quality as drivers encountered repair bills ranging from $400-$800 for pump replacements.
Using premium fuel helps combustion cleaner and less carbon building up in the system, this can protect your pump from undue wear. Good fuels are usually laced with detergents that keep the pump and injectors cleaner, making the life of the pump longer and performing better overall.
As legendary automotive engineer Ferdinand Porsche once put it, “Good performance is based on good maintenance.” One of the important keys to retaining a fuel pump’s working quality and endurance is by ensuring that you have good-fitting fresh fuel.
Visit Fuel Pump to learn more on how fuel quality can have an impact on your fuel pump.