Learn how to extend the life of your vehicle's fuel pump, including keeping the fuel tank full and performing routine maintenance on the entire system. You must always keep the tank filled with at least a quarter full fuel, and reduce fuel consumption as fuel is used to cool in-tank pumps. If there is not enough fuel in the tank, the pump can end up running dry, gets very hot and may ‘die’ up to 30% earlier. To reduce the likelihood of overheating, mechanics often advise against constantly allowing the tank to run dry.
A fuel filter needs to be replaced regularly as well, and this helps prolong service life for the pump as well. Fuel filters catch things like dirt and pollutants that will enter the pump and cause it to wear out. Replaced Filters every 20,000-30,000 miles 20 Percent Complete pump efficiency can increase up to 15% and to help pump strain (less work for the pump with filters removed). Clogs leads to overheating and they can cause the filter components to fail prematurely, so clean filters pays you off by preventing clogs. These filter schedules support the durability of the fuel pump, which is the responsibility of many manufacturers such as Bosch.
Another thing that affects health of fuel pump is the voltage stability. Fuel pumps run off of a stable 12-volt supply. The fluctuations or drops in voltage make the pump use more power, and as a result, the motor produces heat and wears quickly. A healthy battery and electrical connections at the vehicle will keep optimal voltage and prevent the pump from working too hard. Also, good wiring for the pump will minimize the power loss and enhance the durability of the pump by reducing the stress on the pump motor.
The second is actually the quality of the fuel. If the fuel is low-grade or has impurities, these impurities can stick to the pump, causing clogging and impairing functionality or shortening lifespan. For example, ethanol-blended fuels attract water and can cause corrosion inside the engine if proper measures are not taken. Pump life is usually reduced by 20%, mostly due to water exposure.[14] It extends the life of the pump by using quality fuel, and when additives are required, it is recommended to use it sparingly to avoid wear.
Keeping a Fuel Pump away from these stressors helps it last longer, performing day-in and day-out and without burning a hole in your pocket every couple of months. Maintenance, good quality fuel, steady-voltage operation and enough fuel are practical measures for a long service life of a fuel pump and to keep the car on-road.