A fuel filter acts as a permeable barrier that cleans the fuel of impurities, sediment, contaminants, and rust before they have a chance to get inside the fuel injection system and ultimately inside the engine of your vehicle. The fuel filter can be a cartridge with filtering material composed of paper inside. Most technicians will include fuel filter replacement during normally scheduled maintenance intervals.
But for argument’s sake, let’s say your car hasn’t been in for maintenance in a while. How will you know it’s time for a new one?
Here are some key indicators to watch for:
The fuel filter is an in-line device that helps to trap any impurities in its screen or filtering material, as the fuel makes its way from the fuel tank to the engine. It can be located in a variety of places, depending on your vehicle. On newer vehicles, the filter might be in the fuel tank as part of an integrated fuel pump assembly. It may one that only gets replaced if the fuel pump needs replacement. Another location is on the vehicle frame outside the tank. Some others may even have a pair: One inside the tank and the other outside, somewhere along the fuel line.
It’s a good idea to replace the fuel filter within regular intervals, but there’s always the question of when. That comes down to how old your vehicle is, and what does the manufacturer recommend. An excellent place to start is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. The intervals vary according to the car. For example, some brands suggest an interval of every 20,000 miles, while others suggest going until 70,000 miles. Some vehicles, like those from Mercedes, offer extraordinary ranges up to 150,000 miles.
If you happen to do a lot of heavy-duty towing or off-road driving, there are exceptions to these rules. As your routes may be of the dusty, dirty variety, it is wise to cut the interval times in half, to assure your engine is getting the optimal amount and highest quality fuel possible.
A technician, wearing proper safety glasses and protective gloves, will have allowed the car to cool for at least three hours, followed by disconnecting the negative (-) battery cable.
The process includes depressurizing the fuel system and removing the fuel inlet line from the filter. After replacement, the car is started to check for leaks and again a few hours later, to ensure all lines are fitting correctly.
According to some auto service pricing sites, a fuel filter replacement service should cost between $50 and $175 for most cars to have the work done by a mechanic. If you are handy under the hood, you can order the part and do it yourself for between $10 and $70.
There’s usually a fast turnaround time at the dealership for the repair, so labor charges shouldn’t rack up too quickly. Often performed as part of a vehicle’s annual service, it is an excellent proactive move to prevent any future issues.
Your vehicle is one of the most expensive investments you will make in your lifetime. With fresh fuel filters, you will be able to drive it for at least as long as you are making payments on it. For more answers and help finding a service provider, please see how much it costs to replace a fuel filter for your vehicle and find a service provider near you at Kelley Blue Book’s Service & Repair Pricing Guide.
