What is a fuel injector?
Fuel injectors are critical to your car’s engine and fuel system. They’re designed to deliver fuel into the car’s engine via electronically controlled valves. The injectors have an atomizing nozzle that distributes the right amount of fuel for optimum combustion and efficiency.
Most cars have one fuel injector per cylinder, so a four-cylinder car usually has four fuel injectors for optimal fuel delivery.
When you take your car for a fuel injector replacement or service, a mechanic will remove your car’s fuel rail, replace the defective fuel injector with a working one, and run the engine to check there are no leaks.
The fuel injectors provide the correct amount of fuel to the engine so that it can efficiently generate power. They can deteriorate and break down over time, resulting in fuel leaks.
How do I know if my fuel injectors need replacing?
The following are some of the most common signs of a bad fuel injector:
If you’re undergoing any major repairs and your engine is disassembled, that’s the perfect time to have your fuel injector inspected and serviced!
How often should you change your fuel injectors?
In most cases, fuel injectors should be replaced every 50,000 to 100,000 miles. This is based on multiple factors, so some cars may have a shorter or longer duration before replacing their injectors.
However, while you may not need to replace your fuel injectors often, you should have them cleaned more frequently. It’s recommended to have your fuel injectors cleaned every 36 months or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first. Following a regular maintenance schedule and cleaning them can help prolong their lifespan.
Can I replace the fuel injectors myself?
If you’re car-savvy and have experience working with automotive repairs or replacements, you might be able to change your fuel injectors yourself. Be mindful that if you change your fuel injectors, you’ll want to change them all. Pairing new injectors with old ones can lead to inconsistent performance and a suboptimal satisfactory driving experience.
If you’re not confident under the hood, it’s probably best left to a professional mechanic.