The fuel filter inside your car plays a vital role - it ensures that the fuel flowing to your vehicle's engine is clean. Natural gasoline can contain and pick up particles and other contaminants along its path, including rust. The fuel filter separates it, and over time it will get clogged. When the filter is no longer effective, it can restrict fuel flow. As a result, your engine won't get the sufficient amount of gas it needs. Thus, you will face very dramatic consequences. This is why it's so important for vehicle owners to change out their fuel filters when necessary.
To answer the big question (the title): Approximately every two years or 30,000 miles. However, the numbers will be dependent on the make, model, and age of your car. It will also depend on your external environment and your personal driving habits. One way to determine if the fuel filter needs to be replaced is by having a mechanic run a fuel system pressure test. This method can inform us if the system is running at sufficient pressure or not.
As mentioned earlier, you may face some major consequences if you continue to drive with a dirty fuel filter. Some of the warning signs include:
- Sputtering engine
- Rough idling
- Loss of engine performance or power
- Lower gas mileage
- Car starting problems
- Check engine light comes on your dash
If you begin to experience any of the symptoms above, please bring your vehicle to ASR Automotive as soon as possible. The problem you could be facing could be the fuel filter or another vital fuel system component. Don't worry - our qualified team will get to the bottom of the problem and get you back on the road safe and sound in no time.