
While often forgotten, filters are everywhere in our day-to-day lives. Without a filter in our coffee, our morning brew would be full of grounds, and without water filters, a glass of the good stuff would likely taste like dirt. Even your own body can’t function without filters.
For your vehicle, a fuel filter is just as essential.
It plays a crucial role in supplying clean, healthy fuel to the engine for combustion and getting you from A to B.
In this article, we will examine the best time to change your fuel filter, signs your fuel filter needs replacing, and the dangers of not doing so.
What are car fuel filters?
Your car fuel filter is a filtration medium used to catch potential contaminants before they have a chance to enter your fuel system. Contaminants pollute your engine and can affect the required fuel flow rate. This means it’s vital you replace your fuel filter when servicing your vehicle.
There are two main types of car fuel filters:
Plastic or metal container: The container is designed to hold a filtration medium.
Cartridge filter: The cartridge filter holds a replaceable filter. You can open the metal filter container whenever you need to replace the filter element.
You will also have a different car fuel filter depending on your vehicle's fuel. Petrol fuel filters are cartridge or canister shaped, while diesel filters are bowl-shaped.
It’s important to note that many newer, modern cars no longer require a car fuel filter and rely upon a strainer attached to the fuel pump in the tank. So, we recommend you check your vehicle’s make and model before you look for one - it might not be there.
How do car fuel filters work?
All engines require fuel to make them run and in specific metered amounts. However, within the fuel, you may find small impurities such as dirt, debris or other small matter that can affect your engine’s performance. The fuel filter is designed to catch these small contaminants before entering your engine and stop anything that negatively impacts fuel flow.
Older engines, especially carburettor-fed ones, are less demanding regarding fuel because the jet openings are much bigger than a fuel injection nozzle. The engine uses a vacuum to suck fuel through the rubber hoses, into the filter and then into the engine through an inlet tube. The jet openings are much bigger than a fuel inject nozzle making it less sensitive than modern vehicles. However, if you get a clogged or blocked fuel filter, you’ll still experience problems.
In the case of modern engine fuel injection systems, they have incredibly narrow tolerances, so they can become easily clogged and disrupt the fuel flow. As such, any contamination can prove costly, which is why it’s essential to replace the fuel filter regularly.
When your fuel filter is functioning correctly, your engine will receive a healthy fuel injection. However, if left unattended for too long, your engine will become clogged with contaminants leading to expensive repairs. There are a few signs to be aware of; if you see any of these, it may be time to change your fuel filter.
- Hard starting: If your fuel filter is severely clogged, it can cause erratic fuel flow, resulting in longer cranking before the engine starts. If you have never had your fuel filter changed, your car may not even start.
- Engine stalls: An engine that frequently stalls could be a warning sign that you have a clogged fuel filter. As the clog increases and the fuel delivery becomes more sporadic due to an erratic fuel flow, stalling may become excessive and worsens on acceleration.
- Engine performance reduced: Under heavy loads, a clogged fuel filter may surge, splutter or struggle to accelerate. This is because a clogged fuel filter will starve the engine of the necessary fuel to accelerate quickly, especially on a steep incline. The engine may shake or stutter at different speeds depending on the extent of the fuel restriction.
- Fuel system parts fail: As the fuel filter becomes clogged, the engine no longer receives the correct amount of fuel. This can lead to the fuel pump overcompensating for the inadequate fuel filter, placing it under undue pressure and leading to a premature failure of the fuel pump.
Regardless of the engine or fuel filter type, all fuel filters are vital for your vehicle’s performance. If the fuel filter becomes clogged from debris buildup, it’s crucial to notice the warning signs and attend to them as soon as possible. If you believe your car fuel filter is clogged, contact your local JAX Tyre representative to check and service if necessary.
Fuel filters are essential to keep your vehicle’s engine running smoothly, avoid fuel contamination, and maintain fuel efficiency. However, manufacturers didn’t make these filters to last forever. Most manufacturers recommend changing your car fuel filter every 40,000 -50,000 km or every two years, whichever comes first.
However, suppose you often drive down dusty roads or take your vehicle off-road. In that case, we recommend checking your fuel filter earlier. For specific time frames and fuel filter types for your car’s make and model, you can look over your owner’s manual or contact your friendly, local JAX Tyres mechanic for expert advice.
What happens if a fuel filter is not changed?
The fuel filter ensures clean, healthy fuel is delivered to your vehicle’s engine and prevents any contaminants from entering the engine and affecting its performance. However, these protectors are made of pleated, porous materials that gradually become clogged due to sediments in the fuel tank or if poor-quality fuel is used.
If left unattended, the fuel filter will gradually become more clogged, leading to a vehicle that frequently idles, splutters and has trouble accelerating. Once entirely blocked, you won’t get very far. In fact, you won’t even be able to start your car.
Your fuel filter is vital to your fuel delivery system and achieving optimal engine performance. When you change the fuel filter, you can improve multiple factors:
- Engine performance: By removing the dirt, dust and debris that accumulated over time on your fuel filter, you can help boost the performance of your vehicle by 2-4%
- Boosts the engine’s power: With a clean fuel filter, your fuel delivery system can supply the optimal amount of fuel as required. This increases the engine power.
- Better fuel efficiency: A clogged fuel filter leads to insufficient fuel to the engine leading to reduced fuel efficiency.
- Reduced emissions: A clogged fuel filter leads to an improper air-fuel mixture ratio, causing inadequate fuel burning and harmful emissions. Replacing the fuel filter restores fuel and airflow to the engine, improving fuel consumption and reducing emissions.
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the make and model of your vehicle.
A growing number of late-model, modern vehicles no longer have accessible fuel filters or no longer require a car fuel filter. Instead, they rely upon a strainer attached to the fuel pump in the tank. Both of these need a knowledgeable mechanic to service them to working order.
For older models, checking the fuel filter yourself is still possible. You’ll need to check your owners manual to find the specific location of your vehicle’s fuel filter. Generally, your fuel filter will be either inside the fuel tank or fitted into the fuel link between the tank and the fuel pump. Suppose the fuel filter appears overly dirty and clogged. In that case, we recommend contacting your local JAX Tyres store to replace it with the correct fuel filter for your make and model.
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