| There have been a lot of questions
asked
concerning power loss, hesitation and hard starting
in a vehicle. Many of these complaints can be traced
to a clogged fuel filter. As the fuel filter gets
older. More and more dirt collects inside it,
gradually restricting the flow of fuel to the
engine. A partially restricted filter will usually
pass enough fuel to keep the engine running at idle
or low speed, but may starve the engine for fuel at
higher speeds or loads. So your engine may run fine
putting around town, but sputter and lack power when
you try to drive at highway speeds or pass someone.
How often should I change my
fuel filter?
If you have a high mileage vehicle you
should replace the fuel filter once a year. By the
time your car is six or seven years old, there can
be a lot of dirt and rust inside your fuel tank.
Normal condensation and moisture inside the fuel
tank can form rust and every time you put in fuel,
dirt can enter the fuel tank. All of this can cause
a fuel filter to plug up fairly quickly, so
replacing the fuel filter annually will prevent many
problems
Many newer vehicles do not specify a
recommended replacement interval. And many have a
so-called; "Lifetime" fuel filter they claim never
needs to be replaced. But any fuel filter will clog
and need to be replaced so don't fall for that
"never needs changing" story.
Installed at many gas station there are fuel filters in the
pumps to give the fuel a final filtering before you
buy it. This prevents a lot of junk from getting
into your fuel tank. Most stations replace these filters on the
first of every month whether they need it or not.
However, there are a lot of stations out there who
do not have fuel filters on their pumps so the fuel
you put in your tank may be contaminated with water
from leaky underground storage tanks, improperly
mixed alcohol blends, or even watered-down by an
unscrupulous operator who's trying to make a fast
buck.
Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a
preventative maintenance item is insurance that
reduces the risk of the fuel filter plugging up.
Brand new cars right from the dealer are as
susceptible to getting dirty fuel as any other car
so even though the car is new, the fuel filter will
start to clog fairly quickly.
Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a
preventative maintenance item is insurance that
reduces the risk of the fuel filter plugging up.
Brand new cars right from the dealer are as
susceptible to getting dirty fuel as any other car
so even though the car is new, the fuel filter will
start to clog fairly quickly.
Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a
preventative maintenance item is insurance that
reduces the risk of the fuel filter plugging up.
Brand new cars right from the dealer are as
susceptible to getting dirty fuel as any other car
so even though the car is new, the fuel filter will
start to clog fairly quickly.
How can I tell if my fuel filter needs to be
replaced?
Well, contrary to what a lot of fast oil change
places tell you, you can't tell if a fuel filter
needs replacing just by looking at it.
The only way to tell for sure is to remove the
filter and blow through it. If there's little
resistance, the filter is still okay and does not
need to be replaced. But if there's more than
minimal resistance, the filter is dirty and should
be replaced.
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