Driving on a rotten fuel pump carries several critical risks regarding vehicle performance and safety. A faulty fuel pump will generally fail to sustain the required fuel pressure. In such cases, this will inevitably lead to the engine stuttering or completely stalling during acceleration. It has been pointed out by studies that as little as a 5 psi drop in fuel pressure can result in an appreciable decline in both performance and responsiveness. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly 20% of all roadside breakdowns can be attributed to fuel system problems, including those caused by failure due to a faulty fuel pump.
If a fuel pump fails, there may be insufficient fuel delivery to the engine; hence, the engine can run lean or rich. A lean condition simply refers to an insufficient amount of fuel, whereas rich refers to too much fuel. This can either knock or make the engine misfire. According to Tom Jones, an automobile expert, "Besides catastrophic engine failure and thousands in repairs, ignoring the bad fuel pump signs will ensure that you incur more costs than necessary."
Driving with a failing fuel pump can also increase the risk of fuel leaks. A worn or damaged pump might not seal well, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment. It creates not only fire hazards but also contributes to environmental pollution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, leaking fuel can create enormous emissions that can be harmful to air quality.
Like all things, fuel pumps have a life span, too, usually between 100,000 to 150,000 miles. If strange noises, difficulty starting, or reduced fuel efficiency is present and the driver thinks that the pump is indeed failing, immediate action needs to take place. If not, further damage will just give way to expensive repair costs, estimated to be over $1,000.
Moreover, a faulty fuel pump may invalidate the warranty of your car. Most manufacturers have some sort of conditions regarding regular maintenance and necessary repairs to keep the warranty terms valid.Missing a faulty fuel pump may nullify such a warranty, in which case you would have to pay for its repair out of pocket. As the famous words go by Bob Smith, a leading name in the automotive world: "Regular checks of the fuel system save you money in the long run and keep your vehicle purring smoothly."
In short, driving on a bad fuel pump may result in serious consequences for engine performance, poor road safety, and excessive repair expenses. A good fuel pump condition is very important regarding safe and effective vehicle operation. Head to Fuel Pump and learn more about fuel systems on how proper maintenance with timely replacement is very much essential for every vehicle.