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.

BMW

BMW AG is a German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer that was established over 100 years ago in March 1916. They also own Mini and Rolls Royce, after taking over the two British marques in 2000 and 1998 respectively.

How popular is BMW in the United Kingdom?

BMW makes luxury vehicles and is possibly most famous for its sports saloon models. In 2018, BMW had 1.9m vehicles on the roads in the UK, a number that has been steadily increasing each year for the past decade.

As one of the ‘big 3’ German marques, along with Audi and Mercedes, BMW carries a strong reputation for making high-quality stylish vehicles, and have captured a large section of the UK market.

Luxury family and business models for every driver

Probably most popular for the 3 Series and 5 Series saloon models, BMW has got every possible angle covered for the more discerning drivers.

The full range includes everything from the 1 Series city car to the full-size saloons and sports coupes of the 7 and 8 Series models.

To provide everything you’d ever need for family motoring there’s a seven-seat MPV, their range of X model SUVs, and since 2014, the introduction of their plug-in electric i models. Top it all off with their M model high-performance supercars, the Z4 convertible and the i8 Roadster—and you’ve got the full package.

BMW: High performance on and off the track

BMW has a successful history in a range of motorsports.

They have been significant performers in touring car racing and rally driving, enjoyed success in Formula One with the BMW Sauber team, and BMW cars have been regular competitors and winners at Le Mans since the race’s early years.

BMW’s reliability and reputation

BMW ranked 16th place out of 30 car brands in the What Car? Reliability Survey in 2018. BMW hasn’t always had the best reputation for reliability but to rank alongside marques such as Honda, Volkswagen and Fiat they’re holding their own alongside plenty of the other big names.

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.