Fuel Injector Cleaning & Testing in Charleston, SC
Collins Automotive & Performance is an ASNU certified injector diagnostic testing and servicing center in Summerville, SC. We test, clean and flow test fuel injectors, including GDI injectors, so you know each one is delivering the fuel it should. Bring the car in, or bring us the injectors.
- ASNU certified service center
- Flow tested
- GDI injectors
- Over-the-counter testing
Owner Matt Collins has 15+ years of hands-on Subaru and performance experience, from engineering school and aircraft manufacturing and testing to performance and tuning shops. Every job starts with a free consultation, and nothing is charged without your consent.
Why do fuel injectors need cleaning?
Your injectors spray a precise mist of fuel into the engine. Over time, carbon and other deposits build up on the tips and throw off the spray pattern, so the engine stops getting the right amount of fuel at the right time. Charleston’s stop-and-go traffic and humidity do not help.
Dirty injectors usually show up as:
- Loss of power and sluggish acceleration
- Worse fuel economy
- Rough idle
- Hard starting, especially on cold mornings
- Misfires and a check engine light
How does injector cleaning work at Collins?
We use professional cleaning solutions and specialized bench equipment. You can choose either option.
Over-the-counter testing
Remove the injectors yourself and bring them in, or bring the car. We test and clean them and give you a report on how each injector performs.
Off-car cleaning
Leave the car with us. We remove the injectors, clean them on the bench, flow test them and reinstall them. This is the most thorough option and the one we recommend for heavily clogged injectors and GDI systems.
Is injector cleaning more important on GDI engines?
Yes. Gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines spray fuel straight into the combustion chamber, where heat and pressure are much higher. That makes GDI injectors more prone to carbon buildup, and the engine is more sensitive to a poor spray pattern.
We have the tools to properly clean and test GDI injectors, which restores the spray pattern these engines depend on.
What are the benefits of injector cleaning?
Restored power
Better throttle response, and on turbo cars, better boost response.
Better fuel economy
A cleaner spray burns more efficiently.
Smoother idle and easier starts
Less shaking at a light and quicker starts in the cold.
Lower emissions
A cleaner burn makes it easier to pass an emissions test.
Before a tune
A flow test confirms the injectors can support a tune before we add power.
Fewer surprises
Catch a failing injector before it causes a bigger repair.
How often should I have my injectors cleaned?
A good rule of thumb is about every 30,000 miles. Driving habits, fuel quality and engine type all change that, and GDI engines may need it more often.
Get them checked sooner if you notice hesitation when you accelerate, misfires, a drop in gas mileage or a check engine light.
Other services at the shop
ECU tuning & COBB protunes
COBB authorized dealer and certified ProTuners, plus EcuTek and open-source tuning.
ECU tuning and COBB protunesEngine rebuilds & IAG installs
Engine diagnosis, repairs, rebuilds and IAG long blocks from a certified IAG engine installer.
Engine rebuilds and repairsSubaru repair & maintenance
Diagnostics, check engine lights, brakes, clutches and routine maintenance on Subaru, Mitsubishi and Nissan models.
Repair and maintenance servicesOur Promise & What to Expect
Every injector job starts with a free consultation. We look at the car, talk through your goals and your budget, and give you a clear plan before any work begins. Nothing gets charged without your consent.
Fuel Injector Cleaning FAQs
Is fuel injector cleaning necessary?
Yes. Even modern fuels with detergents leave deposits on injectors over time, which hurts performance, fuel economy and idle quality.
How often should fuel injectors be cleaned?
About every 30,000 miles is a good guideline. GDI engines may need it more often, and any symptoms mean it is time to check sooner.
Can I bring in just the injectors?
Yes. Remove the injectors and bring them in, and we will test and clean them and give you a performance report.
Do you clean GDI injectors?
Yes. We have the specialized tools to clean and test GDI injectors.
Is a DIY injector cleaning kit good enough?
DIY kits usually fall short. Professional bench cleaning removes stubborn deposits and lets us flow test each injector.
How much does injector cleaning cost?
It depends on the cleaning method and your vehicle. You get an upfront estimate before we start any work.
Ready to get your car in?
Start with a free consultation. Tell us what you drive and what you want out of it.