How Does The Fuel Supply System In My Car Work?

We all know that you need to have a sufficient amount of fuel in your tank for your car to operate properly but it is of no use without a fully functioning and reliable fuel supply system which can carry fuel from the tank to the engine. Read on to learn more about how your car’s fuel system with its various components works.

What Is The Fuel System In A Vehicle?

The fuel system in a vehicle consists of a combination of parts, namely the fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, fuel filters, fuel injectors and carburetor (older cars). These parts work together to supply the required amount of fuel to the engine.

• Fuel Tank: this is a safe container where the fuel is stored before being carried to the engine. The main function of the fuel tank is to provide a certain amount of mileage without refueling - approx  300 to 600 miles 

• Fuel Pump: the pump is usually located inside or near to the fuel tank and is responsible for pumping the fuel from the tank to the injectors. It also serves to create enough pressure so that the injectors will deliver the correct amount of fuel under any  operating conditions

• Fuel Filter:  it is imperative fuel is uncontaminated so the filter cleans the fuel and ensures that all dirt particles and contaminants are blocked from entering the engine. If the fuel filter is clogged, it is unable to trap these harmful particles and can cause 

• Fuel Lines: the fuel lines are located in the undercarriage and are made of durable metal, plastic materials that are not affected by elements, road conditions or heat from the engine’s exhaust etc. The fuel lines carry the fuel from one component to another 

• Fuel Injectors: these are electronically controlled mechanical devices that spray or inject the correct amount of fuel into the engine so the correct air-fuel mixture is created for optimal combustion. Injectors also have to disperse the fuel at a specific angle, with the right amount of pressure and spray pattern

• Carburetor (older cars with internal combustion engines): this is a device that mixes air and fuel in an appropriate air-fuel ratio for internal combustion so that ignition can take place

What Are The Main Functions Of The Fuel Supply System?

The main function of the fuel system is to store and supply fuel to the engine and cylinder chambers. Once it is there, it can be mixed with air, vaporized and then burned to produce energy needed to propel your car. 

The journey starts at the petrol station pump. The fuel pump then draws the fuel from the fuel  tank, through the fuel lines, through the fuel filter to the injectors. The fuel then travels to the engine and is then injected into the combustion chamber to create combustion. Once this process is complete, your engine will run.

So, we can say the four main functions of the fuel supply system are:

1. to store and filter the required fuel

2. to deliver enough fuel to supply the needs of the engine under all operating conditions

3. to prevent fuel from boiling by maintaining enough pressure in the line between carburetor and pump

4. To prevent vapor lock which is what happens when the temperature of fuel gets so high that it transforms liquid into a vapor state. As fuel pumps are designed to pump liquid and not air, this increased pressure inside the fuel lines prevents the fuel pump from being able to keep the fuel moving.

When you maintain your vehicle, it is important to have all the different parts and components of the fuel supply system checked regularly. AfricaBoyz Online stocks reliable,  high-quality fuel supply systems across a wide range of vehicle makes and models, at really affordable prices. Have a look at our website: