
Your vehicle's fuel filter has an important job - it ensures that the fuel going to your vehicle's engine is clean and also protects the fuel injectors. Since the fuel filter removes contaminants and debris from the fuel, it can become clogged over time. When the filter is clogged, the proper amount of fuel isn't able to enter the engine as required for smooth operation.
The fuel system is actually much more important than a lot of car owner's realize. Without a properly working fuel system, your vehicle simply won't run. It needs fuel to operate, and proper maintenance is required to keep this fuel system working at its best. The fuel filter is one of those components that should be inspected regularly and replaced when needed.
So, how often does a fuel filter last? When your fuel filter.needs to be replaced will depend upon the make and model of your vehicle, its age, and your own driving habits. A good rule of thumb is every 2 year or 30,000 miles. A way that our mechanics can tell if the fuel filter needs to be replaced is by performing a fuel system pressure test. It can tell us if the system is running at the proper pressure or not, and if not, we may advise that you replace the fuel filter.
If it's time to replace the fuel filter, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sputtering engine
- Rough idling engine
- Loss of performance or power
- Vehicle won't start
- Poor gas mileage
- Check engine light is on
If you notice any of the symptoms above, get your vehicle into Honest Wrenches at your earliest conveience. The issue could be the fuel filter, or another fuel system component. We will get the bottom of the issue and get you back on the road in no time!