Many fuel pumps last well over 100,000 miles, and some go much longer if the fuel system is kept clean and the tank is not run low all the time. However, age, contaminated fuel, clogged fuel filters, and heat can shorten the life of German auto fuel pumps, especially on high‑mileage vehicles. Once a car is 10 or more years old, fuel pump failure becomes more common. Regular maintenance and good fueling habits can help extend pump life.
Tips to extend the life of fuel pumps
- Heat is a fuel pump's primary enemy. If the pump is in the fuel tank, the heat reflected off the pavement on a hot summer day is intense and will eventually shorten the pump's life. If the fuel pump is located in the engine compartment, it is exposed to intense heat from both the engine and the pavement. Limiting stop-and-go city driving will extend the fuel pump's life. If your daily commute involves slow traffic, find a route that keeps you moving, even if it is longer.
- Fuel acts as a coolant for the fuel pump, so keeping the fuel tank at least half full helps stabilize fuel temperature and reduce heat stress on the pump, thus extending its life. Every time you let the fuel level trigger the low fuel warning, you shorten the life of the fuel pump!
- Be careful where you buy fuel. Small fuel stations with old, leaky fuel storage tanks can contaminate fuel systems with moisture and dirt, which clog fuel filters and cause fuel system corrosion. Buy fuel at newer, large fuel stations that have high volume, clean, fresh fuel. This is especially important if your vehicle doesn't have a replaceable fuel filter. Some vehicles have a non-replaceable fuel filter and require replacement of the entire fuel pump when it becomes clogged. Another good reason to be careful where you buy fuel. The few cents you save by buying fuel from off-brand stations are far outweighed by the cost of replacing a fuel pump!
- Replace fuel filters every year. When fuel filters become clogged, they restrict fuel flow, causing the fuel pump to work harder and shorten its life. A clogged fuel filter also decreases engine performance.
Contact Us Now
When it is time to replace a fuel pump, Stadium Auto Service in Ann Arbor, MI, is your go‑to shop.
Stadium Auto Service is an independent, comprehensive German auto repair shop. We have auto repair technicians who specialize in fuel system diagnosis and repair exclusively on Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Porsche, and Volkswagen. If you have fuel system problems in Ann Arbor or nearby, call Stadium Auto Service at (734) 369-6787, make an online appointment, or visit the shop.