Fuel System Cleaning Cost

From time to time, your fuel system may need some cleaning done. It can get clogged up and become dirty over time, and having a fuel system cleaning done can provide some benefits. We’re going look at what you can expect from this cleaning service and when you should have it done.

The cleaning should cost, on average, about $80. The type of car you have and how dirty the system is will determine the price, though, so it could be a bit less or a lot more. There are also mechanic’s fees and taxes to consider.

Fuel System Cleaning Cost Comparison

Your Mechanic

Midas

Mr. Tire

NAPA

Walmart

Amazon

What Is a Fuel System Cleaning?

Your car’s fuel system builds up deposits of carbon and other materials the longer you drive it. While the engine is running, combustion takes place again and again, and that can leave behind all sorts of despots that stick to the insides of the fuel system and clog it up or dirty the fuel, making it less efficient over time. The mechanic will have to take apart some components to clean them out, while others can stay in place and be cleaned where they are. How complex this process is and how long it takes will depend on how accessible all these parts are in your particular vehicle.

Benefits of Fuel System Cleaning

Having your fuel system cleaned means that it will work far more efficiently. It means better gas mileage for you and a cleaner engine that is less prone to mechanical issues. You will preserve your engine and your vehicle as a whole with a cleaner fuel system. You will also enjoy a smoother ride, particularly if your fuel system has been causing you some problems after being dirty for a while. Having the fuel system cleaned out can get rid of rough idling and engine sputtering. It can also make the vehicle easier to start.

What Is Done during Fuel System Cleaning?

Different mechanics will have different cleaning measures they take. Some are more thorough than others, but in general, this is what you can expect from the average mechanic for a fuel system cleaning:

Carbon deposits will be cleaned from the intakes and manifold

The exhaust valves will be cleaned of buildup

The catalytic converter and oxygen sensor will be cleaned of deposits as well

The pistons and combustion chamber will be cleaned out

The idle bypass circuits and throttle plate will also be cleaned

When to Get a Fuel System Cleaning

You can have a fuel system cleaning done every year or so and benefit every time. You don’t have to wait for there to be a problem with the fuel system to have this service performed. However, there will be times when it is very important that you get your fuel system cleaned. If you are experiencing rough idling or having trouble getting the engine to start, for instance, those can be signs that your fuel system is not very clean.

You should also watch out for a sputtering engine or dirty looking fuel when you examine the fuel system yourself. A less obvious sign that your system is in need of cleaning is that you may get poor gas mileage. If you’re hoping to cut down on your gas spending, cleaning up the fuel system is one of the best ways to do that.

The more you drive your vehicle and the rougher you drive it, the more frequently you will need to clean out the fuel system.

How to Save Money on Fuel System Cleaning

If you are trying to save some money on this service, you can attempt to do it yourself. If you have some experience in cleaning out your fuel system, it’s not a bad idea to do the work on your own and enjoy the rewarding labor and save some money. However, if you aren’t sure exactly what you are doing, this is best left up to the professionals, as you can easily damage your fuel system or other parts of your car.

If you are going to use a professional mechanic but you still want to cut your costs just compare rates among the mechanics near you to see who has the lowest price. This is something a lot of chain auto shops offer for a decent price, as they may be your best bet.

Sample Fuel System Cleaning Costs