The Best Way to Prevent Your Car's Fuel Lines from Cracking

The Best Way to Prevent Your Car's Fuel Lines from Cracking

How Vehicle Fuel Lines Become Brittle and Prone to Cracking (And How to Prevent It)

Grab your hat and sunscreen, then hold on to your handheld mini-fans because next week Wichita is expecting more extreme heat as high as 105 degrees.  And as difficult as this is for you, it can be just as damaging to your car’s fuel lines.

Your vehicle’s fuel lines are the important “vehicle” that delivers fuel from the tank to the engine on the “fuel line super highway”. But, over time, these lines can become brittle and prone to cracking for lots of reasons (including extreme heat). And this can lead to dangerous fuel leaks and potential engine damage.  So in this blog, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita explain how to maintain your vehicle’s fuel line and why they may become brittle and prone to cracking.

Why Fuel Lines Become Brittle

  1. Age and Wear:
    • Like all vehicle parts, fuel lines deteriorate over time. And when rubber and plastic materials degrade, they loose their flexibility and becoming brittle.
  2. Exposure to Heat:
    • Fuel lines are often routed near the engine, which exposes them to high temperatures. And prolonged heat exposure speeds the break-down of the materials.
  3. Chemical Exposure:
    • Fuel lines come into constant contact with gasoline. And gasoline contains ethanol and other chemicals that can cause the rubber and plastic to break down more quickly.
  4. Environmental Factors:
    • Harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or (in Wichita’s case this summer) heat, can speed the aging process of fuel lines.
  5. Mechanical Stress:
    • Vibration and movement while driving can cause wear and tear on the fuel lines. And over time, this mechanical stress contributes to their brittleness.

Signs of Brittle Fuel Lines

  • Cracks and Splits:
    • Look for visible cracks or splits in the fuel lines are a clear indication of brittleness.
  • Fuel Odor:
    • Do you notice a strong smell of gasoline around your vehicle? This could indicate a fuel leak from cracked lines.
  • Engine Performance Issues:
    • If your engine is experiencing issues such as stalling, misfiring, or difficulty starting, it could be due to fuel delivery problems caused by damaged fuel lines.
  • Visible Wear:
    • Inspect your fuel lines for signs of wear, such as discoloration or a hardened texture. Because this can help identify potential issues before they become severe.

How to Prevent Fuel Line Brittleness

  1. Regular Inspections:
    • Routinely inspect your fuel lines for any signs of wear, cracks, or brittleness. Because, early detection can prevent more serious issues.
  2. Protective Coverings:
    • Use protective coverings or heat shields for fuel lines, especially in areas exposed to high temperatures or potential mechanical damage.
  3. Quality Materials:
    • When replacing fuel lines, opt for high-quality materials that are resistant to heat, chemicals, and environmental factors.
  4. Proper Routing:
    • Ensure fuel lines are properly routed away from high-heat areas and secured to prevent excessive movement and vibration.
  5. Use Fuel Stabilizers:
    • Adding fuel stabilizers can help reduce the chemical impact of gasoline on your fuel lines. And this is especially true if your vehicle is stored for extended periods.
  6. Timely Replacement:
    • Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel line replacement intervals. Because, proactive replacement can prevent failures due to age and wear.
  7. Avoid Ethanol Blends:
    • If possible, avoid using gasoline with high ethanol content, as ethanol can be more corrosive to fuel lines.

Tracy’s Automotive | Wichita Fuel Pump | Wichita Auto Care

Preventing your fuel lines from becoming brittle and prone to cracking just takes a little attention to detail.

By inspecting your fuel lines regularly, using high-quality materials, and protecting them from heat and chemicals, you can ensure a reliable and safe fuel delivery system. But, feel free to reach out to the auto care experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros if you have any questions or concerns.

Tracy’s Tire Pros can help you take the best care for your vehicle. And they have three locations for your convenience:  West Maple Street auto care and auto repair, East First Street N. and West 21st Street N. Furthermore, Tracy’s Automotive is a proud dealer for Jasper Engines and Vogue Performance Exhaust systems.

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