No petrol or diesel powered car runs without a fuel filter. The filter sits between the fuel tank and fuel pump and is designed to remove impurities that prevent the smooth running of the car’s engine. A good fuel filter will remove any particles and water that may be present in your fuel. It sounds silly, but even the smallest amount of condensation that sneaks into your engine and fuel system will cause damage later down the line. It takes a while for a fuel filter to become so clogged that it fails you, but you should have it changed at regular intervals if you want a well-running car.
What Are the Signs of a Fuel Filter Going Out?
There are quite a few, but they are often associated with a recent crash or poorly conducted repair. For example, if you see smoke coming from your engine a short while after having a repair or service done, then the mechanic probably contaminated your fuel. You will need to run a cat filter cross reference and get a new one. Here are a few other signals that your fuel filter is going out:
- Reduced engine performance
- Difficulty starting the car
- Over consumption of fuel
- Frequent engine jolts
- Engine warning light goes on
- Smoke from the engine
Since you probably don’t abuse your car, these symptoms are only likely to appear if a repair was done badly, or if you are buying an older car that has not been treated very well.
How Often Should Fuel Filter Be Changed?
On average, most people say every 30,000 km for a diesel engine and 50,000 km for a petrol filter. Converted, that is 18600 miles for diesel and 31000 miles for petrol. However, if you are experiencing any of the problems listed above, if your fuel filter is defective or clogged, then change it sooner rather than later. When you have your car serviced or have your oil changed, you can ask the mechanic to look at your fuel filter to see if it needs changing.
What Does Fuel Filter Do?
Fuel is easily contaminated. Tiny particles of burned off soot may find its way into your fuel system, and any number of contaminants from when you refill your car may also be present. Dirt, paint chips, rust and water are all commonplace in the fuel system. A fuel filter will remove these sorts of things to prevent accelerated wear and the ultimate failure of your fuel pump and fuel injectors. Your car has high-precision components, especially in the fuel injection system, and any minor damage can, over time, make those components far less efficient.
Conclusion – Is It Necessary to Change Fuel Filter?
Remember that even people who take very good car of their car cannot stop contaminants from getting into the fuel. Even the fuel you buy is not 100% pure. Even if your car is very sophisticated, there are still tiny, burned particles running around your fuel system and your engine. A filter catches most of them so that they cannot cause damage over time. However, as your filter becomes clogged, it fails to function as well and causes problems. It is a component of your car. If your tire were flat, you wouldn’t ignore that, so you shouldn’t ignore your fuel filter.