Parts expert shares 3 warning signs to look out for that mean your fuel pump is about to fail

A car parts expert from the US has shared three warning signs that mean your fuel pump is about to fail – and they could save you a lot of hassle.

A failing fuel pump will cause major problems with the drivabiluty of your car, and if it goes completely bust it will stop your car from starting altogether. 

But you don’t need to let it get that far, as it turns out there are some signs that can warn you your fuel pump is about to fail.

Chris, a parts expert at Beachside Auto Parts, recently took to TikTok to reveal what to watch out for.

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Three signs your fuel pump is about to fail

Fuel pumps can fail for a number of reasons, including normal wear and tear, running your car too low on fuel too often, or putting contaminated fuel into your car, which is what happened to this guy from Texas. Ouch. 

However, if you know what to look out for you can tackle the issue before it becomes a major problem and your car no longer runs. 

TikToker @chrisfrombeachside recently posted a clip highlighting three signs to watch out for. 

First up, is your car struggling to start? If your vehicle is taking longer to get up and running, it might be because the fuel pump isn’t able to efficiently introduce fuel to the engine. 

“A weak pump may not be building pressure fast enough,” Chris explained. 

“It might start fine when it’s warm, but cold starts expose it.”

Next, does your engine stumble or surge when you hit the gas? If so, it could be a warning your fuel pump is on the way out. 

“Driving up a hill, hitting the gas hard and the car hesitates or stumbles?” he asked. 

“That’s a red flag. A failing pump can’t deliver steady pressure under load. Your injectors are getting starved.”

@chrisfrombeachside Don’t wait for a tow truck—these are the top 3 warning signs your fuel pump is dying. #carmaintenance #diymechanic #CarRepair #fuel ♬ original sound – chrisfrombeachside

Finally, do you ever hear a whining noise coming from the tank? A failing fuel pump can emit a high-pitched sound that comes from the back seat or under the car. 

Chris says this is your fuel pump ‘crying for help’ – so make sure you don’t ignore it. 

Keep your pump happy while driving

While it might be tempting to see just how far your car can go after the fuel warning light has come on – spoiler, it’s probably further than you think – that doesn’t mean you should.

Consistently riding around with a low fuel tank can cause serious issues, and we don’t just mean getting stranded on the side of the road.

To work efficiently, your fuel pump needs sufficient fuel to stay lubricated.

So, if you’re constantly driving around with your fuel warning light on, there won’t be enough fuel to keep the pump protected, and it’s more likely to get worn out or start overheating.