What is a car fuel filter?

The automotive fuel filter is a component of the vehicle's fuel delivery system. It is only a small part, but it plays an important role in ensuring the normal operation of vehicles.

Fuel filter function

Cars rely on fuel for operation. The fuel should be clean and delivered in a timely manner to achieve efficient combustion and ideal vehicle performance. However, very often, gasoline contains some debris and impurities, which can affect the fuel combustion efficiency or clog the fuel injectors. Therefore, automotive fuel filters are needed to remove these unwanted particles from gasoline. They use filter media to perform their functions, or in some cases, use nets.

The location of the automotive fuel filter:

The fuel filter is almost a part of every internal combustion engine. These are located anywhere between the engine and the fuel tank beneath your car. Check the fuel line or its opening. If you can't find it, please check the car manual, as it will indicate the location of the car's fuel filter.

The types of fuel filters in automobiles

Unlike diesel fuel filters that remove water from fuel, gasoline filters are more fundamental and have a simpler mechanism. Among other differences between fuels, compared with diesel, gasoline is a cleaner fuel and requires a single filtration system. These filters have two main types:

In-line fuel filter

These filters are usually located in the fuel line between the engine and the fuel tank beneath the car. This type of filter has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet faces the fuel pump side, and the outlet is on the other side. These two openings are connected to the fuel pipeline. The entire structure is fixed by plastic safety clips and metal brackets.

Intank fuel filter

This type of fuel filter is located in the fuel tank and is hidden from view. Most modern cars use this type of fuel filter. It can be integrated with or separated from the fuel pump. Instead of the inlet and outlet, the filter works by cleaning the fuel through the net.

Compared with the easily replaceable in-line fuel filter, the filter inside the fuel tank is difficult to access. They cannot be replaced individually, and in the event of a malfunction, the entire component must be replaced, making it a more expensive option.

How to check the fuel filter

Checking the fuel filter of a car is a simple process. You need to test whether the filter is running smoothly without any blockage. Although some fuel filters feature transparent plastic casings, you can still observe the condition of these filters. In other cases, there is a small window that allows you to view within the filter.

Once you have a view in the filter, you can change its functionality in the following ways:

Filter medium method

Check the severity of the clogging of media pores. If the filter medium has changed color or is obviously covered with debris, it's time to replace the car's fuel filter.

Fuel pressure method

Measuring fuel pressure is another accurate way to check the condition of the fuel filter. With a pressure gauge, you can check the pressure of the fuel. In the case of blockage, you will observe a characteristic decrease in pressure.

The method of running the engine

Although it is not a very conventional method, it is still a feasible way to check the fuel filter. Disconnect the pipeline that is only connected to the filter on the engine side. Then ask someone to start the engine and pay attention to the situation where the gasoline flows out of the filter at the same time. If the flow rate is insufficient, it indicates that the filter is clogged.

Signs of a damaged fuel filter

Over time, the fuel filter will get clogged, which is reflected in different ways. Some automotive performance issues that indicate problems with fuel filters include:

When the engine is under pressure, power loss or reduction occurs

Check that the engine light is on as a warning light on the car's dashboard

The car couldn't start when there was a severe traffic jam

The tachometer pointer may move irregularly

· Engine stuttering and car vibration at idle

When to replace the car fuel filter

The fuel filter is very likely to lose its filtering capacity due to wear over time or due to increased pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the fuel filter after a certain period of time or when problems with the fuel filter increase. In the early days of the automotive industry, the estimated lifespan of automotive fuel filters was approximately 30,000 to 60,000 kilometers. However, with cleaner fuels and better technologies, it has increased to 100,000 kilometers.