A Fuel Pump is more likely to fail after repeated short drives due to the constant strain placed on the pump and fuel system. Short trips, usually defined as drives of less than 5 miles, prevent the engine and its components, including the Fuel Pump, from reaching their optimal operating temperatures. A 2018 study by the Automotive Technology Institute found that short trips increase the wear on the fuel pump by 30%, as the pump works harder to maintain pressure and fuel flow during each start-up. When the engine doesn’t run long enough to heat the fuel fully, the pump struggles to maintain pressure, which can cause it to overheat and fail prematurely.
Modern Fuel Pump design requires constant fuel flow to cool and lubricate the internal components. During short journeys, fuel does not circulate enough to keep the pump cool; this results in overheating and quicker degradation of the internal components of the pump. For example, on short journeys, the pump operates only for a few minutes at a time, and the fuel does not circulate through the system long enough before the engine is turned off. Eventually, this constant heating and cooling cycle leads to the breakdown of the components of the Fuel Pump, reducing its lifespan significantly.
Moreover, short trips result in incomplete combustion and a buildup of carbon deposits inside the engine, which in turn affects the Fuel Pump. According to a report by Bosch Automotive Systems, vehicles driven for short distances have a 25% faster buildup of carbon deposits in fuel injectors and other components, capable of clogging the fuel pump and reducing its efficiency. As debris accumulates, the pump’s efficiency decreases, forcing it to work harder until it fails.
“Constant short trips are like taking a shortcut to engine problems,” said John Miller, a technician at AutoZone. Without giving enough time for the components of the engine to heat up and operate accordingly, the Fuel Pump is subjected to additional wear and tear, especially during extreme weather conditions. The Fuel Pump works best when the engine runs for a long time, like on highways, where the fuel circulates and the pump stays cool and lubricated.
A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory also underlined that fuel pump failure is often more pronounced in areas where drivers frequently experience stop-and-go traffic or short commutes. In fact, the report concluded that a Fuel Pump driven mainly on short trips could fail up to 40% sooner than one that sees longer trips regularly.
The risk of failure due to short drives can be minimized by making longer trips to heat up the engine and fuel system to the proper operating temperatures. Regular maintenance will also help prevent debris build-up that could affect the pump’s performance, such as replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles.
For dependable fuel system components, look to Kemso Fuel Pump for durable, high-quality pumps designed to last through all driving conditions. For more information on fuel pumps and how they contribute to vehicle performance, visit Fuel Pump.