What to Expect With a Fuel System Service
1. Schedule Your Appointment
Whether scheduling online or over the phone be sure and let us know what you're experiencing so we can provide fast and accurate service advice.
2. Diagnostics and Inspections
Drop off your vehicle and the shop will get to work with inspections and diagnostics using the same equipment as the manufacturers to determine issues and next steps.
3. Digital Vehicle Inspection Report and Estimate
Following the diagnosis we will text you a digital vehicle inspection report, containing pictures and videos of our findings and recommendations.
4. Review and Approval
A service advisor will reach out to walk you through the findings and recommendations to determine how you would like to proceed, or you can approve work directly in your DVI.
5. Work Performed or Scheduled
Most work can be completed immediately, or scheduled based on parts and customer availability.
Did You Know: It takes up to three football fields to safely brake in the rain?
Signs Your Fuel Pump Needs Attention
Your car often gives subtle hints before the fuel pump fails completely. Recognizing these early warning signs can prevent you from getting stranded on Route 10 or I-95.
If you notice any of the following symptoms, it is time to schedule a professional fuel system inspection:
- Sputtering Engine at High Speeds: If your car jerks or sputters when driving at highway speeds, the pump may be struggling to supply enough fuel.
- Rising Temperature: A stalling engine combined with a high temperature gauge often points to a struggling fuel pump motor.
- Loss of Power Under Stress: If your vehicle struggles to accelerate while towing or climbing a hill (like those near Dutch Gap), the pump may be weak.
- Surging: If your car suddenly picks up speed without you pressing the gas pedal, it could be due to irregular resistance within the fuel pump motor.
- Decreased Gas Mileage: A relief valve that fails to open can cause more fuel than necessary to flow into the engine system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my fuel pump needs replacement?
Common signs that your fuel pump might need replacement include a whirring noise from your tank, difficulty starting, engine sputtering at high speeds, and decreased fuel efficiency. Our technicians can diagnose these symptoms and provide you with a detailed assessment.
What causes fuel pump failure?
Fuel pump failure can result from contaminated fuel, overheating, electrical issues, or general wear and tear. Regular maintenance of your vehicle’s fuel system helps reduce these risks and promotes optimal performance.
How long does a fuel pump replacement take?
The time required to replace a fuel pump depends on the vehicle's make and model. At Christian Brothers Automotive Chester, we complete most fuel pump replacements within a few hours to help minimize disruption to your day.
Are there preventive measures to avoid fuel pump issues?
Yes. Maintaining your fuel system includes regularly changing the fuel filter, keeping your tank at least a quarter full, and filling up with high-quality gasoline. These simple steps help extend your fuel pump’s lifespan.
Can using a faulty fuel pump damage my engine?
A failing fuel pump can cause engine misfires and low fuel pressure, possibly straining other engine components over time. Replacing a failing pump promptly helps protect engine reliability and save on future repairs.
Call us at (804) 889-2649 or contact us online for professional fuel pump repair and replacement services in Chester, VA.
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FAQs
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Q. "Why is my engine making bucking sounds when I drive?"The fuel system is a good place to investigate first whenever your engine starts to give you problems. The two most common issues we see are clogged fuel filters and damaged fuel pumps. Both of these will harm your engine if not taken care of promptly.
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Q. "What are fuel filters?"Fuel injectors are easily clogged due to their small openings. They are susceptible to the dirt particles that your car drives through on the road. It’s important that the fuel remains clean and free of dirt so that it can be easily sent to the engine. The fuel filters ensure the fuel is protected from dirt. Typically, filters are made from a paper material that is thrown away and replaced when it becomes too dirty or worn out. Sometimes, cars will have filters that use a mesh material. These can be washed and then put back in the vehicle.
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Q. "How do fuel filters affect the fuel pump?"Clogged fuel filters make it hard for the fuel pump to deliver gas to the engine. If the filter is blocked with dirt, the pump has to work a lot harder to pump the fuel. This will cause it to wear out and unable to perform over time.
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Q. "Do you offer a shuttle service?"Yes! we understand you have a full schedule. Whether you need to get to work, school, or need to attend to other responsibilities, we can take you where you need to go. Click here to learn more.
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Q. "Do you offer a warranty?"As part of our Nice difference.® commitment to providing our customers the best auto service experience possible, we also offer a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on all the work that we do. We offer this warranty at every Christian Brothers Automotive nationwide, and it will be honored at any location, regardless of which branch did the initial work.
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Q. "Can you provide service under my extended warranty?"Yes. At Christian Brothers Automotive, we work with all major extended warranty providers to make needed repairs for our customers. If you have an extended warranty, you can discuss your carrier with our team when scheduling an appointment and confirm that the work will be covered. You can find a partial list of the extended warranty companies we work with here.
Have more Questions?
Our friendly auto service experts have the answers.
Call your local Christian Brothers Automotive car shop today
Hear What Our Customers Had to Say About Us
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"I found Christian Brothers Automotive to be Honest, fair, super friendly and great with communication. Another repair place was trying to scam me into very costly and UNNECESSARY repairs. Christian BROTHERS inspected my van and did the proper repairs, savi"
- Valerie z