How To Know When Your Fuel Filter Needs Replacing
Your fuel filter has an important job. It catches the tiny particles that are present in your gas tank. Those particles can enter your tank when you take the cap off to fill up with gas. Or, the inside of the tank can begin to flake. The fuel filter is the first line of defense in preventing those particles from reaching the fuel injection system or carburetor. If the filter becomes clogged, it can prevent fuel from passing through. When that happens, your car will stop running. Even if the fuel filter is partially clogged, the engine will only be able to operate at low speeds.
In this article, I’ll explain why you may want to ignore your car manufacturer’s suggestions for replacing the filter. Plus, I’ll describe a few details that you’ll need to know if you’re replacing it yourself.
Better Safe Than Sorry
First, you should realize that a fuel filter will only cost about $20. Plus, replacing it only takes a few minutes. A lot of car manufacturers either fail to suggest when you should replace the filter, or they’ll suggest replacing it every 5 years. This is one of the only cases in which you should ignore the manufacturer’s recommendation. Your car’s fuel filter can become clogged much sooner than 5 years, especially if you’re using cheap gas. Given how inexpensive the part is, and the minimum labor required to replace it, you should do so once a year.
Replacing Your Fuel Filter
Before replacing the fuel filter, you’ll need to let your engine cool. Then, find the fuse box or relay that controls the fuel pump, and relieve some of the pressure. You need to do this before disconnecting the filter. If you don’t, you may injure yourself. Once you’ve released the pressure, remove the old fuel filter. If your car has a fuel injection system, you’ll need to find 2 wrenches to take it out. A quick note of caution: be careful when removing it because it will likely still have gas within.
Installing the new filter is simple. Just make sure that you also replace the fuse or relay. Once the new filter is installed, your car will probably get better gas mileage. This is due to the carburetor or fuel injection system working more efficiently with cleaner gas. Remember, new fuel filters are inexpensive. Replace it each year to avoid clogging issues that can prevent your engine from functioning properly.
