What does a fuel filter do?

The fuel filter is a key component of the fuel system, the fuel runs through the filter from the fuel tank before it enters the fuel pump. It ensures the fuel coming from the fuel tank is clean of potentially harmful dirt or debris that could enter the fuel system and cause damage. Not only does it help to protect your fuel pump and injectors, it also plays a significant role in ensuring that you are achieving the highest fuel-efficiency possible.

The filter is used every time the car is switched on and run. As time goes on the filter can become clogged, reducing how much fuel reaches your engine. This will reduce your engine's performance and can force the fuel pump to work harder than it should, which itself may fail as a result.

Every car needs the correct amount of fuel to run and start properly. Therefore ensuring your filter is in good working order is an important and fairly straightforward part of car maintenance.

Audi

Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, established over 100 years ago in April 1910, and has been owned by the Volkswagen Group since the 1960s.

How popular is Audi in the United Kingdom?

This marque design and engineer luxury vehicles and distributes them worldwide. In the UK alone, there were over 1.7m Audi vehicles on the roads in the final quarter of 2018; a number that is continually growing year after year, and has more than doubled in the past decade.

Audi’s success can be attributed to its ability to move with the times, retaining its reputation as a prestige manufacturer and as part of the ‘big 3’ German marques responsible for high sales throughout the world market, alongside Mercedes and BMW.

Luxury executive vehicles for every type of driver

Audi’s current range features predominantly luxury executive and family cars of varying sizes: with compact to full-size saloons, coupés and sportback models, complemented by a growing range of SUV and sports car models.

Vorsprung durch Technik

The Audi brand is easily recognisable by their 4-ring logo—originally representing the four car companies to create Audi’s predecessor company, Auto Union—and their world famous slogan that ran for over 30 years, translated as ‘Being ahead through technology’. Despite no longer being used in their mainstream marketing, the meaning behind it still stands true of the brand today.

Audi: A sensation in rallying motorsport

Throughout the 1980s the Audi Quattro was famous for dominating rallying worldwide. The introduction of their four-wheel drive turbocharged model went on to win the World Rally Championships in both 1983 and 1984 and amassed a number of podium finishes and titles throughout the decade, all across the globe.

Audi’s reliability and reputation

Audi ranked 20th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. Audi’s reputation for creating reliable running vehicles has steadily improved over time to become a strong contender to some of the Asian brands that have continued to dominate in this area.

How often does a fuel filter need replacing?

The general rule of thumb is that a fuel filter should be replaced every two years or every 30,000 miles. However, as with most car parts, the lifespan of a fuel filter will vary depending on the car and driver. If you experience any symptoms of a bad fuel filter sooner than this, we recommend having the fuel filter inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

A failing fuel filter will cause various problems when driving. It is one of the main reasons an engine stalls while driving and can cause low power and poor fuel economy. In extreme cases, a blocked fuel filter prevents fuel from traveling through the fuel lines to the engine, starving your engine of fuel and causing damage to the fuel pump.

To avoid unnecessary damage to your fuel system and engine it’s advisable to regularly inspect and service your fuel filter.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

If you experience any symptoms of a failing fuel filter we recommend booking your car in for a service or repair. Swapping a fuel filter is a fairly simple job and is replaced as part of any minor or major service. Regular car maintenance is key to ensuring your vehicle remains safe and roadworthy.

What happens during a fuel filter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the fuel filter and the fuel supply system.

• Replace the fuel filter if necessary.

• Advise if any other parts need to be replaced, such as the fuel pump.

• Inspect the fuel system again for any leaks and test drive the car.

What causes a fuel filter to stop working?

Over time, a fuel filter can become rather dirty and clogged up. This will reduce the flow of fuel towards the engine or, in some cases, a failing filter will allow dirty fuel to pass through into the engine. Understandably a bad fuel filter can lead to further, more expensive damage.

If you experience any symptoms of a bad filter, we recommend having the fuel filter inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

When should a fuel filter be replaced?

A fuel filter should be replaced every two years or every 30,000 miles. However, if you experience any symptoms of a bad fuel filter sooner than this, we recommend having the fuel filter inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

What are the symptoms of a failing fuel filter?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• Engine sputters or stops altogether.

• Trouble starting your car.

• Rough idling.

• ‘Check Engine’ warning light comes on.

• Poor mileage.

• Car has low power.

What happens during a fuel filter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect the fuel filter and the fuel supply system.

• Replace the fuel filter if necessary.

• Advise if any other parts need to be replaced, such as the fuel pump.

• Inspect the fuel system again for any leaks and test drive the car.

What is the average life of a fuel filter?

The general rule of thumb is that a fuel filter should be replaced every two years or every 30,000 miles. However, as with most car parts, the lifespan of a fuel filter will vary depending on the car and driver. If you experience any symptoms of a bad fuel filter sooner than this, we recommend having the fuel filter inspected and, if necessary, replaced.

Can you drive with a bad fuel filter?

Yes, but it is not recommended, as a bad fuel filter will cause various problems when driving. A dirty or blocked fuel filter is one of the main reasons an engine stalls while driving. In extreme cases, a blocked fuel filter prevents fuel from traveling through the fuel lines to the engine, starving your engine of fuel and causing damage to the fuel pump. If your engine is not getting fuel, it simply will not run.

To avoid unnecessary damage to your fuel system and engine it’s advisable to regularly inspect and service your fuel filter.

What happens if you don't replace a bad fuel filter?

A failing fuel filter will cause various problems when driving. It is one of the main reasons an engine stalls while driving and can cause low power and poor fuel economy. In extreme cases, a blocked fuel filter prevents fuel from traveling through the fuel lines to the engine, starving your engine of fuel and causing damage to the fuel pump.