Why is it necessary to have a fuel filter?

23 Dec.,2024

 

What Is A Fuel Filter? | Car Care Tips - Wiygul Automotive Clinic

Understanding the function of a fuel filter as part of the fuel system.

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When Northern Virginian drivers fill-up at the gas station, they may not think about the inner workings of the fuel system and associated automobile maintenance. The trained technicians at Wiygul Automotive Clinic know the ins and outs of vehicles and we are here to help you understand how this critical system works.

The fuel system stores gasoline or diesel in the tank and then draws on this through fuel lines and delivers it through a fuel filter to either a carburetor or fuel injector. Fuel is then supplied to the cylinder chamber where it is mixed with air, vaporized, and burned to produce energy.

A fuel filter is a critical part of this system as it protects your engine from harmful debris. The fuel filter screens dirt and rust particles from the fuel, keeping them from entering the engine and causing damage. If debris enters the engine - even tiny rust particles - it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the engine components and wreaks havoc on the overall system.

Fuel filters are even more essential in today's vehicles, as the modern design includes tight-tolerance fuel systems, especially when compared to engines from even 10 years ago. Unfiltered fuel can contain vast quantities of contamination like paint chips, dirt and rust. These contaminants must be removed to prevent accelerated wear and ultimate failure of the fuel pump and injectors. The abrasive nature of the particles on the high-precision components of the fuel injection systems cause extreme damage and will eventually lead to an unnecessary expense.

For optimal performance, the fuel filter in your car, truck or SUV should be replaced at regular intervals, as recommended by your auto manufacturer. Following the recommended maintenance schedule provided by the auto manufacturer helps assure the longevity of your vehicle you want.

When you have questions, concerns or mechanical needs, stop in and consult with the automotive repair experts at Wiygul Automotive Clinic in Burke, VA. We provide quality service and parts, completed by reliable technicians you can trust. Whether you simply need an oil filter and lube change, suspension work or a fuel filter replacement, our team will have you back on the road quickly and safely.

Signs You Need A Fuel Filter Replacement

Your fuel system is vital in keeping your vehicle moving. Without the delivery of fuel to your engine, your vehicle won&#;t get very far. Even if a limited amount of fuel reaches your engine, you may notice some odd behavior from your vehicle including shaky idling, poor performance, and difficulty starting your vehicle. One of the most vital parts of your fuel system is the fuel filter. Without your fuel filter, dirt, contaminants, and other gunk could make its way to your engine and cause all sorts of trouble.

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The fuel filter is an active participant in delivering clean fuel to the engine while protecting fuel injectors. Just like any filter, it prevents contaminants such as dirt and other particles from entering the engine. Unfortunately, fuel filters can only perform their duty for so long. Made of pleated, porous materials, filters can get clogged over time. This is especially true if you are utilizing lower quality fuels with impurities or sediments have collected in your gas tank. Debris and particles reduce the amount of fuel permitted to pass through the filter. After some time, fuel filters can become clogged and once a full blockage occurs, your vehicle won&#;t be able to start. 

Symptoms of a Failing Fuel Filter

A vehicle requires a certain amount of gas to start and to continue to run. That&#;s why it&#;s important to ensure the fuel system is properly maintained, including replacing the fuel filter as necessary. The fuel filter is used every time you start and drive your vehicle. Some clear indications your fuel filter needs to be changed include a decrease in fuel efficiency, a check engine light on, and/or sputtering while accelerating. 

  • Why is my car slow to start?

    &#; This is a sign that the filter is moderately clogged and if not replaced soon, fuel won&#;t be able to pass through, preventing the vehicle from starting altogether. Fuel pressure, especially in fuel injected engines, cannot function with an obstructed fuel filter. In spite of the fuel&#;s pressure forcing fuel toward the engine, if the gasoline is thick and chock full of contaminants not filtered, the engine will be starved for fuel, making it difficult to continue the combustion process. This often results in normal cranking but a no-start issue.

  • Why does my car shake when idle?

    &#; While not in motion, such as at a stoplight, if your vehicle is shaking, it&#;s likely caused by a blocked filter. When the filter is blocked it prevents the engine from getting the much-needed fuel for the combustion process. Typically a vehicle&#;s idle RPM functions between 400 &#; 800 RPM. If it falls below that range, while idling, it may be time to replace your fuel filter.

  • Why does my car keep stalling?

    &#; An engine that continuously dies while driving, could be a sign of

    a dirty fuel filter

    . While the vehicle may start normally, you may notice a shortage of power when driving. Your engine is likely starving for fuel. The more your vehicle stalls, due to blockages in the filter, the less fuel your engine is receiving. 

How Often to Replace Fuel Filter

In the past, it was recommended that older vehicles have the fuel filter replaced every 30,000 miles. Modern vehicles, however, may be able to go longer without replacement. So, when should you replace your fuel filter? The best way to determine the state of your vehicle&#;s fuel filter is by having a fuel pressure test performed. This test determines how much PSI the fuel pump is producing at the fuel rail (the high-pressure tubing used to transport fuel to the injectors.) Normal pressure ranges between 30 &#; 60 PSI, if the pressure is lower than normal, a technician may first recommend replacing the fuel filter.

Take It To an Expert

While in older vehicles the fuel filter may have been easy to replace by the DIY-er, on many modern vehicles, it is a little more challenging as the fuel filter is located inside the gas tank. Because systems today are a bit more complicated, you need a qualified technician that is certified to perform services on your fuel system. Sun Devil Auto&#;s Technicians are accomplished experts in their field. When your vehicle needs a fuel system service, schedule an appointment with Sun Devil Auto.