Fuel filters are a crucial part of the fuel system of a vehicle. A fuel filter ensures that all the impurities, dirt and debris are screened from the petrol entering the engine. Since unclean fuel can result in a faulty engine or may affect car performance, having clean fuel filters are of the utmost importance. Here is a guide on car fuel filters covering its function, location, types, and warning symptoms.
A car fuel filter is a component of the fuel delivery system in a vehicle. It is a small part but plays an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle.
A car fuel filter is a small part but plays an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicleA car runs on fuel, which should be clean and delivered timely for efficient burning and ideal vehicle performance. However, many times, the petrol contains some debris and impurities that can affect the fuel burning efficiency or clog the fuel injectors. Therefore, car fuel filters are required to remove these unwanted particles from the petrol. They use a filter media to perform the function or in some cases, a mesh.
Fuel filters are a part of almost every internal combustion engine. These are located under your car anywhere between the engine and the fuel tank. Look either in the fuel line or at its opening. In case you fail to find it, check out the car manual as the car fuel filter location will be pointed out in it.
A car fuel filter maybe located under your car anywhere between the engine and the fuel tankUnlike the diesel fuel filters that remove the water from the fuel as well, petrol filters are more basic with simple mechanisms. Among other differences between the fuels, petrol is a cleaner fuel compared to diesel and requires a single filtration system. These filters are of two main types:
These filters are usually located along the fuel line between the engine and fuel tank, under the car. This type of filter has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is towards the fuel pump side and the outlet is on the other side. These two openings are connected to the fuel line. The entire structure is held in place by plastic safety clips and a metal bracket.
This type of fuel filter is located in the petrol tank and is hidden from the view. Most of the modern cars use this type of fuel filter. It can either be integrated or separated from the fuel pump. Instead of inlets and outlets, the filter works by means of a mesh cleaning the fuel.
As compared to inline fuel filters that can be easily replaced, in-tank filters are inaccessible. They cannot be replaced separately and in case of a fault, the entire assembly will have to be replaced making it a more costly option.
A car fuel filter inspection is a straightforward process. You need to test if the filter is running smoothly without any clogging. While some of the fuel filters come in a see-through plastic housing and allow you to observe the condition of these filters. In other cases, there is a little window allowing you a view inside the filter.
Once you have a view inside the filter, you can chel its functioning in the following ways:
Check the media for how badly the pores are clogged. If the filter media has changed colours or visibly covered with debris, it is time to change your car fuel filters.
Measuring the fuel pressure is another accurate method to check the condition of your fuel filter. Using a pressure gauge, you can check the pressure of the fuel. In the case of clogging, you will observe a characteristic drop in the pressure.
Although not a very conventional method, it is still a viable way to check the fuel filter. Disconnect the line going to the filter only at the engine side. Then ask someone to start the engine while you keep an eye on the flow of the petrol out of the filter. If the flow is insufficient, it is an indication of filter clogging.
Over time, the fuel filters get clogged and this is reflected via different ways. Some car performance issues indicative of fuel filter problems are:
A fuel filter is likely to lose its filtration ability due to wear and tear with time or because of increased stress. Therefore, fuel filter replacement is recommended after a certain time or in case of increasing fuel filter problems. In the beginning of the automobile industry, the lifespan of a car fuel filter was estimated to be around 30,000 to 60,000 km. However, with cleaner fuel and better technology, it increased to 100,000 kilometres.
An automobile fuel filter may lose its filtration capacity due to wear and tear, must be replaced timelyA car fuel filter is not a costly part. However, in case of in-tank fuel filters, the entire filter assembly needs to be replaced while in in-line fuel filters only the filter is changed and thus cost less. The cost may also vary depending on your vehicle type, size of the filter required, filter material and the fuel system. In general, the price varies between AED 300 and AED 800.
This concludes our guide on car fuel filters. If your car is malfunctioning, changing the fuel filters may work for you. Also, look at these auto parts and accessories for sale to change other components for better functioning.
However, if your car’s performance continues to suffer despite the regular maintenance and car service, it is time to replace it. Have a look at these used cars for sale in the UAE to buy the one that suits your needs the best.
For more information on fuel and other car filters, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog.
Whilst very small, and hidden away out of sight, the fuel filter is a component present in every petrol or diesel-engined car, which contributes a significant amount to the smooth running and reliability of modern vehicles.
This article will go into the ins and outs of fuel filters, including how they work, when to change them, how much a replacement fuel filter costs and more.
What do Fuel Filters do?
It may seem self-explanatory, but it's important to understand the role of fuel filtration in modern cars, which is more vital than ever.
Once refined from crude oil, the petrol or diesel may well travel thousands of miles to get to your tank. During this time it will travel through ageing pipes, tanks and valves.
All this results in an end product that is often quite far from perfect, with sediment, dirt and other impurities being present. Due to the traditional usage and production diesel tends to contain more impurities than petrol.
How much do fuel filters cost to replace?
The average cost to replace a fuel filter is £105, with prices ranging from £70 on older/simpler cars, and up to £150 on premium/luxury brands.
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How do fuel filters work?
Often fitted in line with the fuel line, between the fuel tank and the fuel system in the engine bay, all fuel flow is routed through the filter, and subsequently through the filter elements. Any pieces of debris or dirt are captured in the filter elements, preventing them from entering the fuel system or engine.
What are the two types of fuel filter?
Almost all fuel filters fall into one of two categories; inline and cartridge.
An inline filter is a plastic or metal unit with tube connectors in each end, a flexible fuel hose is connected to these, with the fuel line passing through the unit from one end to another.
Cartridge-type filters use a plastic housing with a removable ‘bowl’, inside the bowl sits the filter element. To replace the filter element, the bowl is unscrewed, the filter replaced and the bowl re-attached.
There is no inherent benefit to either type, and the type of replacement filter you need to buy will depend entirely on the manufacturer’s design - it’s important to note the two types are not interchangeable - most garages or auto parts stores will be able to search up which part you need.
How often should you replace a fuel filter?
Fuel filters should be replaced every 30,000 miles or two years of use, but check your car’s manual for more precise information.
As the fuel filter is not an overly expensive service item, it’s not worth neglecting to change it as part of your bi-yearly service schedule.
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Is a fuel filter included in a service?
Major services will typically include a fuel filter as standard. While the car is on a lift, it would be a relatively simple job for a mechanic to replace it.
For more information on what services include, check out our guide to car services and what they include.
Why do fuel filters need to be replaced?
Over time the elements become fully saturated with debris, and will both allow some contaminants to pass through, as well as restricting fuel flow to the engine, causing starting and running issues.
Some cars have larger filters that can last longer between changes, but even these will need replacing after they’ve been functioning as intended for a long period of time.
What happens if you don't change your fuel filter?
Naturally, a good uninhibited supply of fuel is vital to an internal combustion engine, but there are various problems that can indicate you may benefit from replacing your fuel filter:
Starting issues
Running issues - especially at high engine RPM
Stuttering under load or on hills
Fuel pump noise or wear
Will a new fuel filter improve performance?
Yes, if your fuel filter is very old, there is a good chance a replacement one will improve engine performance. In modern cars, engine fueling is adjusted to take account for the quality and pressure of the fuel supply. A new fuel filter will allow a better fuel flow to the engine, meaning improved performance may be noticed.
Can I change my fuel filter myself?
Changing a fuel filter is a relatively simple process. As many inline filters are near the fuel tank, you’ll likely need to get underneath the car - which requires extreme caution and attention.
If you have the space, tools and expertise to safely jack up and support your vehicle, the only other tools needed are basic hand tools including screwdrivers and pliers to pull off the fuel lines.
If you are at all unsure about jacking and supporting your vehicle, and your fuel filter is underneath the car, do not attempt to change it yourself, we’d suggest including it as part of your service via one of our approved service partners.
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