Improving The Health Of Your Vehicle (NAPSA)—Thefuel system is your vehicle’s lifeline. Much like your own circulatory system, the fuel system is critical for daily operation. In general, most people do not worry about the condition of their car’s fuel system even though this area has a direct effect on overall drivability, performance andfuel efficiency. Drivers who understand the role of fuel-system preventative maintenance can avoid fuel-related drivability problems and enjoy maximized engine performance. The fuel system consists of all the components that supply fuel to the engine. Similar to the veins and arteries of the human body, fuel lines are small and sensitive to the material that passes through them. If the engine is not cleaned properly, engine deposits accumulate on critical engine parts and block passageways in the same way plaque clogs arteries. The restricted fuel and air flow lead to decreased power and fuel economy. Althoughit’s difficult to see what is happening inside yourcar’s fuel system, there are several “symptoms” indicative Corrosive sulfur deposits can If the engine is not cleaned properly, engine deposits accumulate oncritical engine parts and block passagewaysin the same way plaqueclogs arteries. @ of engine-deposit problems. Engine Deposit Symptoms Fuel-injector deposits obstruct fuel flow and thus upset the fuel/air mixture. Whenthis occurs, you may experience hesitation or stumble during acceleration, loss of power, or increased emission of hydrocar- bons and carbon monoxide. Intake-valve deposits can absorb fuel during engine warmup and cause the fuel/air ratio to “thin out.” The result is poor drivability, reduced power and increased emissions. Combustion-chamber deposits can lead to auto-ignition of the fuel/air mixture. When this happens, you may hear a knocking or pinging sound. You might also notice poor acceleration and increased emissions of nitrogen oxides. develop from long-term exposure to low-grade fuel or an off-speculation batch of high-sulfur gaso- line. Sulfur corrosion may result in erratic operation or failure of the vehicle’s fuel-sending unit, which leads to inaccurate readings on the fuel gauge. This inaccuracy can cause a driver to unexpectedly run outof fuel. Treating The Symptoms Is your car’s fuel system in good shape? It’s hard to tell but easy to fix and maintain. Treating one tankful of gasoline every 3,000 miles with a fuel-system cleaner—like Chevron’s Techron Concentrate Plus—can improve the health of the car’s fuel system as you drive. Fuel-system cleaners not only protect your vehicle’s lifeline but can restore engine power and maximize fuel efficiency. The use of fuel-system cleaners is a cost-effective, do-it- yourself way to help prevent fuelrelated drivability problems before they start. For details on fuel-related drivability issues, visit www.techron concentrate.com.
