What Does the Fuel Filter Do?
Your fuel filter is a component in your vehicle’s fuel system designed to remove contaminants and impurities in your fuel, like rust and dirt. These tiny particles move through your fuel system and can build up, causing damage to the system. Many fuel systems are tight and that means that it doesn’t take much to clog the lines. Your fuel filter is located somewhere between the fuel tank and the engine so it can trap the particles and push cleaner fuel into the engine to limit wear and tear.
Types of Fuel Filters
There are several types of fuel filters. They do the same job, but they differ in design, material and method of filtration. Some of the more common filters are the following:
- Inline: This is the most common type of fuel filter; it is located along the fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine.
- Cartridge: Uses a replaceable cartridge which contains a filter element. The cartridge may be made of various materials like paper, synthetic fibers, or a fine metal mesh.
- Spin-On: Screws onto the fuel system with a threaded connection. The filter element is contained inside the housing of this filter.
- High-Performance: As the name implies, this filter is designed for high-performance vehicles and uses advanced filtration technology to provide better fuel flow and improved filter performance.
The type of filter that works best for your vehicle depends on the make and model of your car, and your driving habits and conditions. It is best to check your owner’s manual to know which filter to use for your car, truck, SUV, or minivan.
How Often Should the Filter Be Changed?
As with an oil change, a fuel filter replacement is considered routine maintenance and should be done periodically. Our expert technicians can view your manufacturers’ service recommendations and troubleshoot potential filter problems. Some signs that you may need a fuel filter change include:
- Poor Engine Performance: A clogged fuel filter may cause the engine to sputter or pause when accelerating.
- Hard Start: In extreme cases, a dirty fuel filter will cause the engine to crank longer when starting.
- Stalling: If fuel flow is not steady due to a clogged filter, it may cause your vehicle to stall, more so when you accelerate.
- Fuel System Component Failure: If a clogged filter causes a media rupture, it can allow contaminants into the rest of the fuel delivery system, then other more costly repairs may be necessary,