All You Need to Know About the Fuel Filter of Your Vehicle

The fuel filter is an important component of an automobile's fuel delivery system. The fuel filter prevents dirt and debris present in the fuel from entering the components of the engine. This ensures optimal function of the engine. Therefore, having clean fuel filters are important for your automobile. In this article, we will discuss all you need to know about the fuel filter of your vehicle.

Function
The fuel filter stalls dirt and debris from entering the engine. This is important because, dirt and debris will impair the burning of air-fuel mixture. In addition, they will clog up the fuel injectors, which further causes insufficient fuel supply to the engine. This results in suboptimal performance of the engine.

Types
Fuel filters can be divided into two categories: in-line and tank filters. An in-line filter has an inlet and an outlet. Whereas, a fuel tank filter comprises a fine wire mesh, which is placed inside the fuel tank.

Locating a fuel filter
The fuel filter is positioned inside the fuel tank, or between the fuel pump and the fuel tank. In modern cars, the filter is located outside the engine and is attached to the fuel supply line. Thus, you can locate the fuel filter going along the fuel supply line.

Symptoms of a faulty fuel filter
The fuel filter gets clogged up over time with solid particles brought by fuel and it can become faulty. Faulty filters can be identified by the following symptoms.

• The vehicle loses power when you are driving up an incline, or a small hill.
• During this time, your car needs more power by consuming more fuel. A clogged fuel filter will not let this happen because the amount of fuel the clogged filter sends is lower than required.
• Even if you accelerate, the vehicle will not move faster.
• Your vehicle may stop suddenly and you cannot start it again.
• The exhaust smoke may have a typical smell.

Inspecting a fuel filter
You need to check whether the fuel filter allows easy passage of air through it. For this, blow through the hose. If the filter is in good order, it will allow you to blow through it with ease – it will restrict little or none.

Proper maintenance
Appropriate maintenance of the fuel filter is essential to keep your car in good order. The owner’s manual may explain how to do the job. You need to clean or get the filter cleaned up as recommended by the manufacturer. If the filter is old enough - two years; or if you have driven 24,000 miles, it's time to replace the fuel filter. The fuel filter plays an important role in the fuel delivery system of your vehicle. If it's not functioning optimally, it will lead more workload on the fuel pump, the fuel injectors and other vital parts which leads to engine failure.

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