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.

DS

DS is the premium automobile marque of the Groupe PSA. First announced in 2009 by Citroën as its premium sub-brand; it was suggested to be an abbreviation of different spirit or distinctive series. However, in French, the name is considered a play on words, as the translation of déesse becomes goddess in English.

How popular is DS in the United Kingdom?

As a newcomer to the UK market in its own right, there were around 35k DS cars on the roads in the UK by the end of 2018. Whether those figures will continue to rise at the same rate shown since their introduction in 2015, only time will tell.

Looking to provide a standalone marque to initially compete with brands such as Volkswagen and Audi, PSA decided that neither Citroën nor Peugeot would be able to carry the brand strength that would be able to make a serious threat in the market with an elevated price-point at the level of quality and luxury they set out to achieve.

DS: Establishing a new range of upmarket models

To compete with the likes of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, DS introduced a range of hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs but it’s undoubtedly their supermini city car that is proving the most popular.

The DS3, sold as a 3-door hatchback or a convertible, is available in countless customisation options and also as the subcompact luxury crossover SUV DS3 Crossback. The DS3 was voted Car of the Year by Top Gear Magazine, and first place supermini four times in a row in the JD Power Satisfaction UK Survey.

DS: Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re just a one trick pony

At the other end of the range you’ll find the DS7 Crossback. Here’s a large SUV designed to compete directly with the Audi Q5, the BMW X3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC; that’s quite a jump for a car that’s built by Citroën.

The models that you’ll find between the DS3 and the DS7 are created with the same style for the market in mind. The DS4, a mixture of hatchback and SUV, and the DS5, a bigger hatchback priced and pitched against the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes C-Class saloons.

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.