Unexpected Fuel Tank Issues: When New Cars Need Repairs

Fuel tanks are important and can corrode, fail, or leak, especially in older cars that rely on metal for fuel retention. Puddles of fuel around the car or higher than normal fuel consumption are signs of a faulty fuel tank. Replacing a fuel tank is a simple job that does not require specialist tools, but it is important to take extra care when working with fuel in a well-ventilated area with the appropriate fire extinguisher.

Fuel tank corrosion

Fuel tanks are a crucial component of a vehicle, used to hold the fuel that powers the engine. In recent years, many manufacturers have switched to plastic fuel tanks, which are safer in a crash, don't corrode, and weigh less. However, older cars often relied on metal fuel tanks, which can corrode over time.

Corrosion in the fuel tank can lead to several issues. One of the first signs of corrosion is the presence of puddles of fuel around the car after it has been parked. This indicates a leaking or dripping fuel tank. Another sign is increased fuel consumption, which may be due to the corrosion reducing the tank's capacity or efficiency.

Corrosion can also impact the fuel pump, which delivers gas or diesel to the engine's combustion chamber. If the fuel pump is corroded, it may malfunction, leading to sudden engine power loss and creating premature wear and tear on the engine.

Replacing a fuel tank is a significant job, often requiring specialist tools and a well-ventilated area due to the involvement of fuel. While it is a relatively simple process, it should be handled with care to avoid any potential hazards.

Fuel tank leaks

The fuel tank is a fairly important bit of kit and without it, you wouldn’t be going anywhere. In recent years, a lot of manufacturers have made the switch to plastic fuel tanks, which are safe in a crash, don’t corrode and weigh less. Older cars, however, relied on good old metal for fuel retention, and those old tanks do fail. Ultimately, you may well need to replace it. Changing a fuel tank is a pleasingly simple job in that there are usually no specialist tools needed. However, make no mistake, this is a big, BIG job.

The first sign that you have issues with your fuel tank will be puddles of fuel around your car after it has been parked. Alternatively, you may notice that the fuel consumption on your car is higher than normal. An actual inspection of the tank should visually confirm that there is a leak or drip occurring somewhere from the part.

Fuel pump replacement is moderately complicated and may involve removing the fuel tank if no access panel exists in the passenger compartment. Parts and labor costs for fuel pump replacement vary depending on the vehicle, age, and geographic region. A fuel pump delivers gas or diesel to an engine’s combustion chamber and usually provides many years of trouble-free operation. Once in a while, though, you may find one that needs replacement. How would you know for sure? This guide will tell you the signs of a malfunctioning fuel pump, how it works, and replacement costs. Look for several tell-tale signs your fuel pump needs maintenance, repair, or replacement.

Driving with a bad fuel pump can create premature wear and tear on your engine, lowering the car’s value. A faulty pump can cause sudden engine power loss, which could lead to a traffic accident or another dangerous situation. Whether for financial or safety concerns, have the car inspected when you first notice symptoms of a fuel pump not working correctly. The best way to test a fuel pump for repair or replacement is to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership. Mechanical fuel pumps were once standard, sometimes attached outside the fuel tank. With the advent of electronic fuel injection, mechanical fuel pumps are relics, replaced by electric fuel pumps, which generally get mounted inside the fuel tank.

Fuel pump malfunction

A fuel pump is a component that delivers gas or diesel to an engine’s combustion chamber. Fuel pump replacement is moderately complicated and may involve removing the fuel tank if no access panel exists in the passenger compartment. Parts and labor costs for fuel pump replacement vary depending on the vehicle, age, and geographic region.

Driving with a bad fuel pump can create premature wear and tear on your engine, lowering the car’s value. A faulty pump can cause sudden engine power loss, which could lead to a traffic accident or another dangerous situation. Whether for financial or safety concerns, have the car inspected when you first notice symptoms of a fuel pump not working correctly. The best way to test a fuel pump for repair or replacement is to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership.

Mechanical fuel pumps were once standard, sometimes attached outside the fuel tank. With the advent of electronic fuel injection, mechanical fuel pumps are relics, replaced by electric fuel pumps, which generally get mounted inside the fuel tank.

Look for several tell-tale signs your fuel pump needs maintenance, repair, or replacement. The first sign that you have issues with your fuel tank will be puddles of fuel around your car after it has been parked. Alternatively, you may notice that the fuel consumption on your car is higher than normal. An actual inspection of the tank should visually confirm that there is a leak or drip occurring somewhere from the part.

Replacing your vehicle’s fuel tank should be a relatively easy process with very little need to perform any complex mechanical work. However, as fuel is involved in this replacement, you should take extra care to be as methodical as possible, working in a well-ventilated area with the appropriate fire extinguisher, which would need to be a Class B extinguisher.

Engine wear and tear

Driving with a bad fuel pump can create premature wear and tear on your engine, lowering the car’s value. A faulty pump can cause sudden engine power loss, which could lead to a traffic accident or another dangerous situation. Whether for financial or safety concerns, have the car inspected when you first notice symptoms of a fuel pump not working correctly. The best way to test a fuel pump for repair or replacement is to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership.

Mechanical fuel pumps were once standard, sometimes attached outside the fuel tank. With the advent of electronic fuel injection, mechanical fuel pumps are relics, replaced by electric fuel pumps, which generally get mounted inside the fuel tank.

Fuel pump replacement is moderately complicated and may involve removing the fuel tank if no access panel exists in the passenger compartment. Parts and labor costs for fuel pump replacement vary depending on the vehicle, age, and geographic region. A fuel pump delivers gas or diesel to an engine’s combustion chamber and usually provides many years of trouble-free operation. Once in a while, though, you may find one that needs replacement.

Look for several tell-tale signs your fuel pump needs maintenance, repair, or replacement. A fuel tank is used for one of the most obvious purposes in your vehicle - for holding the fuel. With some forms of modern fuel, such as diesel, a hole or puddle of fuel around your car after it has been parked could be a sign that you have issues with your fuel tank. Alternatively you may notice that the fuel consumption on your car is higher than normal. An actual inspection of the tank should visually confirm that there is a leak or drip occurring somewhere from the part.

Fuel tank replacement is a big job. Changing a fuel tank is a pleasingly simple job in that there are usually no specialist tools needed. However, make no mistake, this is a big, BIG job. The first sign that you have issues with your fuel tank will be puddles of fuel around your car after it has been parked. Alternatively you may notice that the fuel consumption on your car is higher than normal. An actual inspection of the tank should visually confirm that there is a leak or drip occurring somewhere from the part.

Safety concerns

Fuel tanks are a crucial component of a vehicle, without them, you wouldn't be able to go anywhere. In recent years, many manufacturers have switched to plastic fuel tanks, which are safer in a crash, don't corrode, and weigh less. Older cars, however, relied on metal for fuel retention, and these tanks can fail. Changing a fuel tank is a big job and often requires specialist tools.

The first sign that you have issues with your fuel tank will be puddles of fuel around your car after it has been parked. Alternatively, you may notice that the fuel consumption on your car is higher than normal. An actual inspection of the tank should visually confirm that there is a leak or drip occurring somewhere from the part. Replacing your vehicle’s fuel tank should be a relatively easy process with very little need to perform any complex mechanical work. However, as fuel is involved in this replacement, you should take extra care to be as methodical as possible, working in a well-ventilated area with the appropriate fire extinguisher, which would need to be a Class B extinguisher.

Driving with a bad fuel pump can create premature wear and tear on your engine, lowering the car’s value. A faulty pump can cause sudden engine power loss, which could lead to a traffic accident or another dangerous situation. Whether for financial or safety concerns, have the car inspected when you first notice symptoms of a fuel pump not working correctly. The best way to test a fuel pump for repair or replacement is to take the vehicle to a certified mechanic or dealership. Mechanical fuel pumps were once standard, sometimes attached outside the fuel tank. With the advent of electronic fuel injection, mechanical fuel pumps are relics, replaced by electric fuel pumps, which generally get mounted inside the fuel tank.

Frequently asked questions