‘I’m a car expert – petrol and diesel owners are in trouble if they hear common noise'

Petrol and diesel owners have been warned that a noise coming from their fuel cap could be the first sign of major damage, according to a leading mechanic. 

YouTube star Scotty Killmer said a wailing noise coming from the cap when the engine is running could suggest the vehicle’s fuel pump was on its way out. 

The top mechanic highlighted several other warning signs including a vehicle struggling to start. 

A lack of acceleration is also a concern which could highlight the vital part is not operating correctly.

Mr Kilmer told his YouTube channel: “Today I’m going to show you some signs your fuel pump is going out and what will happen if it does stop working. 

“Your fuel pump pumps fuel to the engine so it can run. If the fuel pump stops pumping, your engine stops running and you’ll be walking. 

“Now most cars have electric fuel pumps in the gas tank so with the car running if you open up your gas cap and you hear neeee, neeee, neeee. That means your fuel pump is burning out. 

“Now if your car cranks, cranks, cranks in the morning and it takes a long time to start. That can be a sign that the fuel pump is starting to fail. 

“Another sign your fuel pump is going out is you’re driving down the road you stomp on the gas and the car just won’t take off quickly. It loses acceleration. 

“Now these electric fuel pumps can last a really long time but like anything electronic, eventually it will break and leave you stranded if you don’t listen to it and replace it before it finally goes out.”

Fuel pump damage is a serious issue and could see road users hit with an expensive repair bill in the new year. 

According to ClickMechanic, the average cost of replacing a fuel pump is an eye-watering £500. 

Costs will range from around £300 to £900 depending on the type of vehicle and the parts recommended by manufacturers.

Car-Doc says changing a fuel pump will usually take between half an hour and up to five hours. 

They also stress that motorists should not consider replacing a fuel pump themselves unless they have the relevant experience. 

They added: “Without experience and especially without the appropriate safety equipment, you should never carry out the fuel pump replacement yourself. 

“In such a case, the specialist workshop is the better contact, especially since such a replacement is a simple routine job there and can be done in a relatively short time.”