Importance Of Fuel Filter Replacement
Cars have multiple filters in various parts of the vehicle. One of them is the fuel filter. Like other car parts, these also need to be serviced and replaced at a designated time interval.
However, some car owners don’t notice or consider replacing them until they experience problems with their vehicles. Don’t wait for that to happen, it is best to replace them regularly.
Reasons To Consider Replacing Your Fuel Filter
One of the most important parts of any vehicle is the fuel delivery system. The fuel filter is part of this system and here are important reasons why you should consider replacing your fuel filter.
Achieve Boosted Engine Power
The main function of the fuel filter is to make sure that the fuel that is delivered to the engine is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Cleaner fuel that contains less debris allows the ideal quantity of fuel to be used or burned. This fuel essentially doesn’t contain extenders or useless elements. Additionally, it also prevents fuel injectors and fuel pumps from clogging. This also ensures that the engine receives constant optimal quality and quantity of fuel. This boosts the power of the engine.
Prolongs The Engine’s Life
Dust particles and dirt are all filtered out by the fuel filter. If the fuel filter doesn’t work efficiently reach the engine, it will cause the cylinders, pistons and other parts to prematurely get damaged, which lessens the life of the engine. Repairing such components can also be very costly and one way of preventing that is to replace your fuel filter regularly.
Reduced Emissions
Car emissions can be affected by a clogged fuel filter. In that case, there wouldn’t be enough fuel going through the fuel injectors. This will also result in an improper ration of fuel to air, which results in more harmful emissions. With fuel filters replaced, proper flow of fuel will be achieved and the proper ration is burned. Aside from reducing emissions, this also helps in improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
When Should I Change The Fuel Filter?
Fuel filters on older car models should be changed at least every 2 years or when the car has driven about 30,000 miles. For newer models, fuel filter replacement can be done when the car has traveled up to 60,000 miles.
To determine if you need to change your fuel filter, you can ask your mechanic to do a fuel pressure test. This will determine how much pressure the fuel pump is generating. If the fuel filter needs to be replaced, the pressure by the fuel pump is reduced. Fuel-injected cars will usually have a pressure of around 30 to 60 PSI.
As the fuel filter does its job of removing any unwanted dirt and debris, it can be clogged after some time of use. It is important to watch out for signs that will tell that your filter needs to be replaced. Failing to notice signs can lead to a broken-down vehicle and other car issues.
Signs That You Need To Replace Your Fuel Filter
Replacing your fuel filter is a basic car maintenance procedure that shouldn’t be put off. Here are the signs that you should replace your fuel filter:
Shaky Engine While Idling
Observe your car when you stop at a red light. A jerky feeling due to the engine could mean that there is something preventing the optimal fuel flow to your engine. This could be caused by a variety of things but a clogged fuel filter is one common cause.
Struggling At Low Speeds
Similar to being shaky and unstable while idling, the car can also struggle at low speeds. It may act fine while on the highway but it can seem shaky when you turn or start driving slowly. When you slow down, the fuel requirement isn’t high so the pressure is also not that high. The car can seem to be struggling at slow speeds because there isn’t enough fuel reaching the engine when ower pressure is applied.
Car Doesn’t Start Or Is Difficult To Start
When a car fails to start, most would blame the battery. However, that is not always the case because a car that doesn’t start can be due to a variety of reasons. One of them is a clogged fuel filter. If the fuel filter is clogged then the engine will not be able to draw the fuel it needs to start the vehicle. This is especially the case when there are other fuel distribution problems observed prior to not being able to start the car. It is best to check the fuel filter and replace it if needed.
A clogged filter can also cause the car to be difficult to start. In this case, the blocked fuel filter may still be allowing some of the fuel to pass through. However, the engine is still having a difficult time getting enough fuel for it to immediately start. If you’ve already had a difficult time starting your vehicle, it is best to figure out what causes it, whether it is the fuel filter or not. Don’t wait to become stranded before you decide to replace your fuel filter.
Engine That Dies On The Road
An engine that suddenly dies while your driving can be a sign of a fuel distribution issue. This means that there isn’t enough fuel for the engine to use that’s why it dies. A blocked engine filter causes this too.
