Do you think that something is wrong with your car's fuel pump, and are wondering if it needs to be replaced? If so, here are some warning signs you should look out for:

The Engine Sputters When Driving Fast

A fuel pump works by giving the engine the fuel it needs to operate. When the fuel pump is going bad, it no longer gives the engine a consistent stream of fuel. This can cause the engine to start to sputter when it needs fuel the most, which is when you are traveling at high speeds on the freeway. While there are a few car issues that can cause this problem, a bad fuel pump is one of them.

The Fuel Pressure Gauge Is Reading Too Low

You can actually check your fuel pressure gauge to tell how much pressure there is in the system. Check your owner's manual to figure out what level the pressure should be at, and then have someone rev the engine while you check the pressure. If the fuel pressure is below the minimal levels, then you likely have a problem with the fuel pump.

The Car Loses Power Under Heavy Stress 

Putting the car under a lot of stress is going to use more fuel. This is more likely to happen when you are towing something heavy, such as a trailer or a boat, but it can also happen if you have a minivan that is jammed full of people and carrying more weight than it is used to. If the fuel pump is going bad, it is not going to be able to supply the engine with the fuel it needs to tow that heavier load. This can cause the vehicle to stall or temporarily lose power. You can even lose power when going up a hill where the vehicle needs more fuel to do it.

The Gas Mileage Becomes Worse

Does it seem like your vehicle is using more gas than usual? You may only have to fill up the tank once a week when commuting to work, and now need to fill it up in the middle of the week. This could be due to your fuel pump giving the engine too much fuel and essentially wasting it in the form of poor engine efficiency. Replacing the fuel pump will be necessary because it's not working properly, even if the car is still running. 

Contact an auto parts supplier for more information.