Advise, I want to raise my Toyota Wish

Paul, I have just bought a 2.4L petrol 2004 Nissan X-Trail against a backdrop of warnings that it is prone to fuel system failure. Is that true? How can I avoid that? Moses.

Hello Moses, the claim that Nissan X-Trail fuel systems are prone to failure is false. However, what is true, not only for Nissan but for all other vehicles, is the fact that vehicle fuel systems must be maintained in line with manufacturer’s guidelines using recommended fuel filters and with non-adulterated fuel. Here is why. Nissan X-Trail and every other vehicle’s fuel system, in the course of its working life, accumulates after burn debris or sticky sludge (gunk), dust particles and corrosion due to moisture collected from the environment during fuelling.

Over time, these elements, if left unchecked, will accumulate in the fuel tank, clog fuel lines and the fine holes in the fuel injectors. This development can reduce engine performance by preventing prompt fuel delivery pressure. Nissan and other car manufacturers build fuel systems with filtering kits to trap this expected debris and try to contain the above problem. Some vehicles have fuel filters fitted in the engine bay while others, especially the long-life ones, are fitted in the fuel tank.
Most manufacturers fit filtering strainers onto the fuel pump. Fuel filters although largely effective in containing the above problem ought to be replaced in line with manufacturer guidelines. For some diesel-fuelled vehicles, short-life fuel filters are replaced at every 5,000 km interval. For other vehicles that that are fuelled with petrol (gasoline) or diesel, the long-life filters should be replaced at or before 100,000 km. This is because the filters become clogged as they trap the sludge, micro-particles and debris. This curtails fuel delivery pressure as it overworks and damages the fuel pump.
Maintenance of the Nissan X-Trail fuel system will also include a conscious choice of where you fuel from to avoid what Uganda National Bureau of Standards calls ‘adulterated fuel’ (fuel mixed with kerosene or water). Buy a fuel filter from a genuine Nissan parts dealer only and find a qualified mechanic to safely replace it.

Hi, I have a brand new Toyota Wish. My problem is it is a “low” car and keeps “kissing” the road especially on our bumpy murram roads. I wanted to raise it a little but I was advised against it. That this will spoil the shock absorbers. Another suggestion was to change its tyres to bigger size to increase its ground clearance.
Please advise me. Enock.

Hello Enock, raising your Toyota Wish ground clearance with spacers will not only damage shock absorbers but also prematurely wear out other suspension components.
Altering the ground clearance with spacers can also cause vehicle dynamic stability challenges, which can compromise your road safety. Changing tyre sizes seems to be the pragmatic solution to this problem. However, you need to work with tyre sizes recommended as alternatives by the car manufacturer usually displayed on the driver B pillar post.
A professional tyre technician may recommend a tyre aspect ratio size that will fit and raise the profile of your car safely.

Ask the mechanic / By Paul Kaganzi (0772316145), send sms: mycar (space) your comments and questions to 6933, or email them to [email protected]