What are the common fuel pump problems in winter?

Winter poses unique problems for fuel pumps, which in turn will affect vehicle performance. A very major problem is fuel line freeze-up, occurring at temperatures below 32°F or 0°C. The American Automobile Association estimates that almost 15% of drivers have fuel delivery problems in the winter months due to freezing. With water or condensation in fuel lines, this may cause such interference with the flow of fuel, leading the engine to stall.

Other common problems have to do with the increased viscosity of the fuel: as the temperature outdoors lowers, the diesel fuel becomes thicker and slows the rate of flow. Tests have demonstrated that when the temperature falls below 20°F (-6°C), the diesel fuel tends to gel and lose nearly all its efficiency in reaching the engine. One mechanic who experienced winter vehicle maintenance firsthand stated, “Using winterized diesel fuel can prevent most instances of gelling and allow the fuel to perform optimally.”

Also, in winter, with higher resistance due to cold, the requirement of more fuel puts added stress on the fuel pumps. A fuel pump operating at the limit of its capacity may experience reduced efficiency, most likely leading to failure. Industrial statistics record that the failure of fuel pumps can go up to 20% during the cold season, mainly because of the increased workload and also because of aging.

Other issues that motorists may face are electrical, since low temperature gives considerable interference with battery performance and electric circuitry on the fuel pump. When temperatures are below freezing, a weak battery perhaps will not be sufficient for good power feeding to the fuel pump, making operation problematic. As one car expert said, “Regular battery maintenance in winter is important to ensure your fuel system runs without glitches.”

Summarizing some of the commons winter fuel pump problems, basically, it is very important to understand these challenges. Drivers are supposed to closely monitor their cars for symptoms of fuel delivery issues, such as poor engine starts and strange noises produced by the fuel pump. By early detection, the driver will be assured of continued performance and reliability of the Fuel Pump during the cold season.

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