Not checking your car’s gasoline filters is simple, but you may regret it. Here’s how to safeguard your gasoline supply system and ride smoothly. Most cars have two gasoline filters. A strainer in the gasoline tank costs $25 to $100, and one in the primary fuel line costs less than $20. Filter material is plastic or coated pleated paper. Fuel filters prevent dirt, rust, scale, and other pollutants from entering the fuel pump, injectors, and engine without affecting fuel pressure.
Micron-rated gasoline fuel filters. Most current fuel-injection automobiles employ 10–30 micron filters. A micron is 001mm. Human hairs are 70 microns (.08mm). Modern engines have tight fuel systems and component tolerances, making this crucial. Due to their abrasive nature and fuel-injected engines’ high fuel pressure, foreign particles that pass a malfunctioning or unclean fuel filter might impede gasoline flow and harm your engine.
| Signs | Description |
| Trouble Starting | Engine issues could signal inadequate fuel due to a malfunctioning fuel pump, clogged injectors, or a damaged fuel filter. A low PSI pressure test is vital for diagnosis. |
| Check Engine Light | The check engine light, though ominous, serves as a crucial warning. Modern vehicles offer codes via OBD2 scanners for fuel system issues, aiding in effective diagnosis and timely repairs. |
| Engine Stalls | Engine stalls, often due to fuel shortages, occur during acceleration, inclines, or towing. Watch for symptoms coinciding with fuel-related issues for a comprehensive diagnosis. |
| Engine Misfires | A misfiring engine, linked to combustion faults, can result from disruptions in fuel flow caused by a clogged filter. Power hesitation and minor jolts may accompany misfires. |
| Decrease in Performance | A noticeable drop in engine performance, especially during demanding situations, suggests a fuel filter issue. The ECM restricts power to prevent damage when fuel to injectors is insufficient. |
How A Fuel Filter Works
The fuel pump pumps gasoline from your gas tank into the fuel lines. Fuel filters lie between, depending on system design. Fuel filters remove hazardous particles before they damage the system. Filtered fuel goes to injectors. These distribute metered gasoline into each cylinder’s combustion chambers.
After mixing with oxygen, it’s ignited. The pistons rise and fall, propelling the engine. Spin-on and cartridge gasoline filters are the significant kinds. Metal spin-on gasoline filters screw in. Only the cartridge is changed in cartridge fuel filters.
Fuel filters must be substituted every two years or 30,000 miles. Newer vehicles may go 60,000 miles or more. To guarantee fuel flow, have a technician conduct a pressure test with each oil change. Check your car’s handbook for its PSI range. After understanding how a gasoline filter works, let’s look at the signs that it needs to be replaced.
Signs You Need A New Fuel Filter
1. Trouble Starting
An engine may not start due to defective spark plugs, a death battery, or an alternator malfunction. It may also indicate inadequate fuel in the combustion chambers. A low PSI pressure test shows a fuel system issue, such as a malfunctioning fuel pump, blocked injectors, or a damaged fuel filter. A clogged gasoline filter may not cause an engine to start as the first indicator. Check whether it matches any of these symptoms. You may be fortunate since another engine won’t begin to issue is more expensive.
2. Check Engine Light
Most automobile owners love and despise the “check engine” light. It may mean a repair fee is coming, but it prevents significant harm. For limitless causes, a check engine light will appear. Thankfully, many modern automobiles include fuel system pressure monitors that emit a code if there’s a problem.
There are numerous ways to identify the problem. First, get an OBD2 scanner to read the code. The second option is using a shop’s OBD2 scanner for a diagnostic cost. Third, take your automobile to an auto parts shop, which will usually read it for free.
3. Engine Stalls
Fuel, power, or air shortages cause engine stalls. Given this, your engine may stall if there isn’t enough gasoline. Your motor may start since there may be fuel in the fuel lines. Accelerating or climbing a steep gradient requires more pedaling. Towing uses more gasoline since the motor works harder. Many causes might cause an engine to stall, so watch for more indications.
4. Engine Misfires
When an engine misfires, a combustion chamber fault causes it to miss a step. An engine might misfire due to old spark plugs, a broken ignition coil, or a damaged camshaft sensor. However, petrol flows through the fuel filter before reaching the injector.
Any disruption might cause the engine to misfire. This is particularly true when driving hard, hauling, or climbing a steep incline. As the engine misses a beat, this causes a minor jolt and power hesitation.
5. Decrease In Performance
Poor engine performance is another indicator of a blocked fuel filter. Like the other two symptoms, this is most obvious while accelerating, hauling, or climbing a steep slope. When fuel is low to the injectors, the ECM cuts power to avoid damage. If this symptom is present with others on this list, it suggests a blocked fuel filter.
Cost To Replace A Bad Fuel Filter
If you can do it yourself, replacing a gasoline filter is cheap. Expect to spend $50–150 at a store or $15–60 for the filter alone. It takes some skill to change a gasoline filter yourself. If you don’t have the tools, take it to a shop. If you do it yourself, watch the video below for step-by-step instructions.
Conclusion
Checking your car’s gasoline filters is essential for smooth driving. Trouble starting, engine stalls, or misfires indicate a clogged or failing filter, allowing you to fix it quickly. Replace as recommended and pressure test during oil changes to minimize fuel system problems. Whether DIY or professional, understanding costs and having the correct equipment are essential. Proactive maintenance ensures engine performance and prevents damage, efficiently keeping your car on the road.
FAQs
How Often Should I Replace My Fuel Filter?
Replacement gasoline filters are suggested every two years or 30,000 miles. Newer automobiles may have 60,000-mile intervals. Pressure testing during oil changes gives fuel system health assurance.
Can A Clogged Fuel Filter Cause Engine Misfires?
Fuel filter clogs may cause engine misfires. Fuel flows through the filter before reaching the injectors. Thus, any disturbance might cause misfires, especially during acceleration or towing.
Is It Necessary To Use An Obd2 Scanner To Diagnose Fuel Filter Issues?
While not required, an OBD2 scanner helps diagnose fuel system issues. It deciphers check engine light codes to reveal fuel filter concerns. Due to free services, diagnostic code reading is available at many car parts retailers.