Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea, located in the heart of London, is a prestigious borough known for its affluent residents and luxurious lifestyle. With a population of approximately 160,000, it is one of the most exclusive areas in the city.
The most popular cars in Kensington and Chelsea
When it comes to car ownership in Kensington and Chelsea, the data reveals some interesting trends. The residents of this borough have a penchant for luxury and style, as reflected in their choice of cars. Topping the list as the most popular car in the area is the Range Rover, a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Following closely behind are the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A3, and the Volkswagen Golf.
In addition to these popular models, it is worth noting that Kensington and Chelsea residents also show a preference for electric and hybrid vehicles. This aligns with the borough's commitment to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the city.
Vehicle numbers in Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea boasts a significant number of licensed vehicles, with approximately 70,000 cars registered in the borough. This high number reflects the residents' reliance on private transportation and their desire for top-quality car maintenance services.
Postcodes and suburbs in Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea is divided into several postcodes and suburbs, each with its own unique charm. Some of the notable areas include SW3 (Chelsea, Brompton), SW7 (South Kensington, Knightsbridge), W8 (Kensington, Holland Park), and W11 (Notting Hill, Holland Park). These diverse neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant automotive landscape of Kensington and Chelsea.
As a car maintenance platform catering to the needs of Kensington and Chelsea residents, we understand the importance of providing exceptional services to keep their prestigious vehicles in pristine condition. Whether it's regular servicing, body repairs, or specialized maintenance, our platform connects car owners with trusted professionals who are well-versed in the specific requirements of Kensington and Chelsea's automotive scene.
What does a fuel pump relay do?
The fuel pump relay is the electronic switch that controls power to the fuel pump. It is found on virtually all vehicles with an internal combustion engine and is often located in the fuse box which can be found in the engine bay. The fuel pump relay is also responsible for helping your vehicle to start. The relay activates the fuel pump to pressurise the fuel system as you turn the key.
The fuel pump is a small pump which sends the fuel from the tank to the engine. The pump may be mechanically worked by the engine, but on most modern cars it’s electrically-powered. In this case it’s usually found next to or even inside the fuel tank.
This process of pumping fuel from the tank to the engine is essential in the smooth running of your vehicle, therefore a faulty fuel pump relay will cause major performance and drivability issues with your vehicle.
How often should a fuel pump relay need replacing?
There is no set lifespan of a fuel pump relay, however the relay is designed to last the life of the car, but due to its constant use and the high temperatures it is exposed to, it will not usually last that long. Over time, the fuel pump relay may begin to show signs of wear and will have to be replaced.
The most commonly damaged portions of the fuel pump relay that tend to malfunction first are the coil and contact points. Usually, these parts of the relay will begin to oxidise and rust over time.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
If the fuel system is not working properly, this may result in an MOT fail. Similarly, if a failing fuel pump relay has caused your check engine light to illuminate, this could lead to an advisory or failure.
What causes a fuel pump relay to break?
The fuel pump relay can fail for many reasons, from dust to electrical power surges, or a blown fuse to a fault in the pump. Many things can affect the functionality of the fuel pump relay.
What are the signs of a failing fuel pump relay?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
Poor fuel economy
Trouble starting your car
Poor engine performance - stalling, poor acceleration, rough idling
Check engine light
Car stops whilst driving
How often should you replace your fuel pump relay?
There is typically no maintenance schedule for fuel pump relay replacement. However, it may not be a bad idea to replace the fuel pump and the relay on an older, high mileage vehicle. Regularly maintaining small components such as the fuel pump relay could save you costly repair bills down the line.
What happens during a fuel pump relay replacement?
During the repair our certified mechanics will:
Inspect the entire fuel system and test it for any issues
They will then locate the fuse box, usually found in the engine bay
If necessary, they will remove the old relay and replace it with a new one
They will they retest the fuel system and check the fuel pump is working
What is the average life of a fuel pump relay?
There is no set lifespan of a fuel pump relay, however over time, the fuel pump relay can begin to show signs of wear and will have to be replaced. The fuel pump relay is designed to last the life of the car, but due to its constant use and the high temperatures it is exposed to, it will not usually last that long.
The most commonly damaged portions of the fuel pump relay that tend to malfunction first are the coil and contact points. Usually, these parts of the relay will begin to oxidise and rust over time.
Can you drive with a broken fuel pump relay?
It is best to avoid driving with a failing fuel pump relay. If the fuel pump relay has an issue, power may be randomly cut off to the fuel pump, which will cause the engine to stall whilst driving. Problems with your fuel pump relay will also result in frequent stalling and poor fuel economy, problems which are inconvenient and costly. It’s always best to have a faulty fuel pump relay checked as soon as possible to avoid these issues.
What happens if you don't change the fuel pump relay?
If the fuel pump relay has an issue, power may be randomly cut off to the fuel pump, which will cause the engine to stall whilst driving. Problems with the relay may also result in frequent stalling and poor fuel economy, which are both inconvenient and costly.