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.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. One of the most long-standing giants of the motoring industry with an estimated asset wealth of around $256 billion, Ford became a popular household name throughout the UK in the 1960s with the introduction of the Ford Transit, the Ford Escort and the Ford Capri.

How popular is Ford in the United Kingdom?

With the Ford Fiesta consistently winning accolades as the best selling car in the UK, it’s no surprise to hear that in 2018 there were approximately 5.5million Ford cars on the roads by the end of the year.

With a proven track record for good value and sensible, practical driving, along with a dealership just around every corner, Ford has developed a method of sustaining great sales by giving drivers just what they need.

Popular well-priced cars with a sturdy reputation

There’s a Ford car for practically every sensible driver. Actually, there are a few Ford cars for the more daring driver too. Take a look at the history of RS and Cosworth models, both making an impact in the world of rally driving and touring car racing.

While they’re better known for providing family transport that includes the Ka, the Fiesta and the Focus, Ford also produces the lavishly equipped Edge SUV, and also the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers too.

And for something quite a lot less mainstream, Ford deliver some muscle

From a very traditional and mainstream marque, it’s refreshing to see that they still deliver a great big slice of larger than life America—and the latest model Ford Mustang is no exception. If a Mondeo or a Focus isn’t really your thing, and even the RS models aren’t sporty enough, then the new Mustang’s brawny delivery of sleek lines powered by its 5-litre V8 engine could be just the thing. Failing that, the Ford GT supercar with its twin-turbo V6 won’t fail to turn heads. All £420k of it.

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.