Modern cars are easier than ever to live with, and require less maintenance and care than older cars. When it comes to the fuel system, as long as you're using quality gasoline from a reputable source, you shouldn't have to perform much if any maintenance yourself on the system. That said, there are some important parts of your fuel system that may need service as your car ages. We'll tell you more below, so you can continue to enjoy the exciting, efficient drive for which your Toyota was originally built.
5. Start With The Right Gas
Of course, treating your fuel system right means only putting the right fuel in the tank. Luckily, gas stations make it easy, since you'll only find high-quality unleaded (and sometimes diesel) at most reputable filling stations. But make sure not to put diesel gas in a car that requires regular gasoline or vice-versa. Generally, diesel pump nozzles are too wide to put into the filler neck of gas-burning cars, but a gas nozzle will fit right into a diesel vehicle. No matter which fuel your engine prefers, the fuel system can become severely damaged by running the wrong one. So, if you drive a diesel vehicle, be extra careful not to accidentally fill up with regular 87 octane.
4. ...But Don't Bother With Premium Fuel Unless It's Necessary
If the right gas is good, then more premium fuel must be even better for my car, right? One might think so, but there's no need to spend the extra few dollars on a tank of premium fuel compared to regular unleaded unless it's required by the engine. In some high-performance, high-compression engines, higher octane fuels are more stable, resisting combustion until the very last second for the best efficiency and horsepower. However, in the engine of a typical passenger car, compression ratios aren't high enough to require anything more than regular unleaded. Adding premium fuel to an ordinary street car engine won't have any measurable impact on performance or efficiency.
3. Fuel System Additives
Don't be misled by products that claim you can simply pour them into the gas tank or add them to the fuel itself to boost performance or efficiency. If the claim seems too good to be true, then it probably is. There's really nothing you can merely add to the fuel tank to get your car to perform better.
2. Fuel System Cleaners
Having said that, there is one thing that might be worth adding to your fuel system: a proven fuel system cleaner. On newer, modern vehicles, even this is probably unnecessary. However, on high-mileage vehicles, or vehicles that are driven infrequently, carbon deposits can build up inside the engine, on intake valves and fuel injectors, causing the engine to run poorly. The right fuel system cleaner can be part of a solution that helps keep your high-mileage engine running strong. Speak with one of our technicians for recommendations on what works best in your particular Toyota.
1. Fuel System Deep-Cleaning Service
Instead of relying on a chemical additive to keep your fuel system clean, you can get a deep-clean performed by the pros here at Capitol. We can physically remove the fuel injectors from the engine, get them clean using special tools and chemicals to remove all carbon deposits. Then, we reinstall the injectors, add a new fuel filter and you should enjoy better fuel economy and everyday performance. While this service is typically only required by high-mileage vehicles, if you experience sluggish throttle response, have one of our technicians inspect your vehicle. If we suspect the fuel system is to blame, we've got the tools and the know-how to repair it right here at Capitol.
Contact
Capitol Toyota
783 Auto Group Avenue Ne
Salem, OR 97301
- Sales: 503-399-1011
- Service: 503-399-1011
- Parts: 503-399-1011
