Many Americans Notice Their Car Shaking — It Could Be a Sign of a Clogged Fuel System

A clogged fuel system can cause your car to idle unevenly or shake when stopped. This happens when the engine doesn’t receive sufficient fuel, disrupting the combustion process and making the car feel rough or unstable.

Beyond rough idling, a dirty or restricted fuel system can also cause power loss during acceleration, or even lead to engine stalling in severe cases. These issues stem from fuel flow obstruction, which prevents the engine from operating as intended.

To address a clogged fuel system, several cleaning methods can help restore proper performance:

• Use a fuel system cleaner. Adding a high-quality fuel additive to your gas tank can effectively remove minor blockages and carbon buildup inside the system.

• Clean throttle body deposits. Carbon buildup around the throttle body can restrict airflow and cause poor engine response. Having this area professionally cleaned can enhance performance while saving time and money in the long run. It’s best to have this done by an experienced mechanic rather than attempting it yourself.

• For professionals: If you’re a trained technician rather than a casual car enthusiast, you can perform a deep fuel system cleaning. This involves connecting the engine’s intake fuel line, return line, and oil lines into a simple closed loop with a cleaning machine, allowing the cleaner to circulate more effectively through the system and remove buildup throughout.

Keeping the fuel system clean ensures smoother idling, stronger acceleration, and better fuel economy — while also preventing costly repairs down the road.