Will the Gumout 2-step fuel system cleaning service improve my gas mileage?
I currently drive a 2005 Ford Escape (4 cylinders) and I currently get 12 mpg on streets and 16 on highways.
When I got my car inspected, the guy recommended a fuel system cleaning system.
He said it would cost but would boost mpg by 5 mpg, It was a Firestone Auto Center but I’m not sure what type of cleaning it is.
Another store offers the "gumout 2-step fuel system cleaning service" for . The guy told me it’s the same thing and that they just don’t mark up the price as much.
Has anyone had this service done? Does it really make a difference? is better than , but I don’t want to spend the money if it won’t make a difference.
The guy showed me a diagram and tried to explain what they were doing (I’m not car savy so I didn’t really understand it). It’s more than the stuff you buy off the shelf and pour in your gas tank. This gets injected directly to the fuel system somehow.
Also, I just had the car inspected and there is nothing leaking and all my filters are still like new (I asked them to check that too).
The check engine light is not on. I also know that I have been told I have a lead foot, so I know that impacts the gas slightly.
When I had the car inspected last week (I live in PA) they added air to my tires and that increased my mpg by one mile (not much, but it’s a start).
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Tags: check engine light, cleaning service, cleaning system, firestone auto center, Ford, ford escape, fuel system, gas tank, highways, lead foot, money, mpg, quot, sure what type, tires
5 comments
Paul L on November 4, 2010 at 1:56 pm
You need to check and see what they are doing for the $80 vs the $20. You may find the $20 job is them pouring Gumout in your tank which you could do on your own when you fill up and the $80 job they are cleaning each individual injector and cleaning other parts.
Graham on November 4, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Don’t know about those specific products, but unless you’ve been burning boiler oil or grandpa’s moonshine there’s no need to clean the fuel system after just 4 years. (Ask at the oil refinery if there’s gum in the gas.)
But that’s a heck of a poor mileage – I guess there’s something else wrong, and I’d get the dealer to put the car through a diagnostic test – you’re wasting a lot of gas! Try wearing slippers instead of gumboots! :-)
O.o on November 4, 2010 at 1:56 pm
It will only help if your fuel system is clogged/dirty. Otherwise, neither of them will make a difference. However, your gas mileage seems rather bad, so it’s plausible that you need your fuel system cleaned. As to which one of those services is better, i can’t help you, sorry.
pedro7of9 on November 4, 2010 at 1:56 pm
check engine lite on? when tuned up…if over 80/90K theres ur problem…throw in a can of 5 dollar gumout..before you give those jokers 80 dollars…hard to believe a 3005 would need it…a 1995 maybe]
Pilsner Man on November 4, 2010 at 1:56 pm
I doubt a 2005 has dirty injectors. All gas has cleaning additives in it.
You do have a problem though, you should be getting much better gas mileage. It is possible you hit something and dented the tailpipe, restricting the exhaust. Maybe the engine temp sensor for the ECU (computer) is bad, causing the ECU to push too much fuel to the engine, thinking it is cold.
I am very surprised that the check engine light isn’t on.
ADDED: Throw a can of seafoam cleaner in it if you want, but I still don’t think the injectors are dirty. Being lead footed will more than slightly affect MPG, it has a huge effect.