When to change the fuel filter
All modern engines are equipped with a fuel filter, which cleans the fuel from particles and contaminants that can enter it at various stages, from production to refueling the car.
These can be sand particles, paint peeling, rust, or random debris from tanks and canisters. Without quality filtration, these microscopic particles can cause damage to sensitive engine components.
The fuel filter is a consumable item that gradually loses its effectiveness. Over time, the filter element accumulates more and more contaminants, which leads to reduced capacity, less fuel delivered to the engine, reduced vehicle power, and increased fuel consumption.
Types of fuel filters
Car fuel filters are differentiated by engine type and installation location:
By engine type
- Filters for carburetor engines: clean impurities from 15-20 microns.
NB: Carburetor engines, except for older passenger cars, are still of limited use in military vehicles such as armored personnel carriers.
- Filters for injector engines (distributed injection systems): trap particles of 5-10 microns in size.
- Filters for diesel engines: retain particles from 4-5 microns—such strict requirements because of the high pressure under which the fuel is injected into the cylinders. In addition, filters for diesel engines have a water separator, which must be periodically drained.
By location
- In-line filters: those that are located on the path of fuel from the gas tank to the engine. It can be located under the hood or the bottom of the car.
- In-tank filter: a design increasingly common in modern cars. The filter in this case is located in the fuel tank of the car.
Signs of a clogged fuel filter
Early detection of a clogged fuel filter will help avoid engine damage. It is important not to ignore changes in the operation of the car:
Starting problems
Due to a clogged filter, the engine does not have enough fuel to start and run. It manages to start only after several attempts. And sometimes it is not possible to start the engine at all
NB: similar symptoms can also occur with battery or starter problems. These components should also be checked.
Uneven idle
You can hear the revs floating, but the engine may stall, and it may be difficult to restart.
Reduced power
You suddenly find that the engine is not doing its usual job. This symptom can be noticeable when driving uphill or transporting cargo. The vehicle's acceleration may also decrease.
Jerky driving
This occurs due to uneven fuel delivery when trying to accelerate.
Increased fuel consumption
Due to a clogged filter, the gasoline pump and the engine are working under increased load. As a result, the composition of the air-fuel mixture changes. Which affects fuel consumption and wear of parts.
Any of these signs is a reason to check the fuel filter and change it if necessary.
Frequency of fuel filter replacement
There is no general answer to the question of when to change the fuel filter. This information should be sought in the car's service book. The most common period of replacement of gasoline engine mainline filters is every 30-60 thousand km. Submersible every 30-100 thousand kilometers. On diesel engines, the period is shorter 15-30 thousand kilometers.
Timing differs, depending on the manufacturer, model, and type of engine.
Examples of the frequency of fuel filter replacement for some models of cars with gasoline engines:
ZAZ Lanos 2011 1.5 — 30 000 km.
Skoda Fabia 2010 — 90 000 km.
Skoda Octavia A5 1.8 TSI — 30 000 km.
KIA, cee'd, 2014 — 90 000 km.
Mercedes-Benz W205 (C-class, 2014-2021) — 80 000 km.
Toyota Rav4 2014 2.0 —80 000 km.
In practice, given the not-always-ideal quality of Ukrainian gasoline, motorists often change the main fuel filters during maintenance, i.e. every 10-15 thousand kilometers.
Also, rust and debris accumulate in the tank over the years, so in cars older than 10 years the filter should be changed more often.
The filter should be changed more often in normal conditions and with quality gasoline.
As for diesel engines, due to higher requirements for fuel quality, for the same car models it is recommended to change the filter according to the regulations, for example, Kia Sorrento — every 60 000 km.
Топливный фильтр WK820/20, MANN-FILTER
Lifitime fuel filters
More and more manufacturers are claiming that their fuel filters do not require replacement or maintenance, such as the 2014 Ford Fusion (for the US), KIA Sorrento, KIA Seltos 2021-2022 (for Europe), and many others.
At the same time, the manufacturer indicates in the instructions that if the symptoms described above appear: a problem with starting the engine, loss of power,or jerking it is necessary to replace the fuel filter as soon as possible.
In practice, the “eternity” of such filters directly depends on the terms and conditions of car operation and fuel quality. Which, according to the owners, is approximately equal to a mileage of 200-250 thousand km. in ideal conditions and quality gasoline.
As for diesel engines, due to higher requirements for fuel quality, for the same car models it is recommended to change the filter according to the regulations, for example, Kia Sorrento — every 60 000 km.
Lifetime fuel filters for diesel
Although some manufacturers claim that their fuel filters for diesel cars are also maintenance-free.
For example, PurePower! 2.0 Lifetime Fuel Filter for the 6.6L Duramax engine, which is found on GM's 2023 Sierra Heavy Duty, 2023 Sierra 1500, and on the 2023 Yukon. But in our area, it is rather exotic.
Conclusion
A fuel filter is an important component of the stable operation of the car. Fill up at well-known gas stations, do not fill gasoline in rusty canisters, and pay attention to any changes in engine operation. This will protect your engine from breakdowns and you from potential headaches and costs.