What do fuel filters do

For many people, it is easy to forget about the importance of the fuel filter, which results in too long of a time passing before changing it out for a new one. This is one of those basic maintenance things.

While it's easy to put off, it's necessary, and absolutely worth it, to get it taken care of. If your fuel flow becomes reduced because foreign particles are not being filtered out, then you will risk reducing your engine's performance, as it won't be able to freely draw fuel, as it so desires. So, be sure you are mindful of signs that it's time to replace the filter. Here are five of those signs:. The fuel system stores gasoline or diesel in the tank and then draws on this through fuel lines and delivers it through a fuel filter to either a carburetor or fuel injector.

Fuel is then supplied to the cylinder chamber where it is mixed with air, vaporized, and burned to produce energy. A fuel filter is a critical part of this system as it protects your engine from harmful debris. The fuel filter screens dirt and rust particles from the fuel, keeping them from entering the engine and causing damage.

If debris enters the engine - even tiny rust particles - it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the engine components and wreaks havoc on the overall system. Fuel filters are even more essential in today's vehicles, as the modern design includes tight-tolerance fuel systems, especially when compared to engines from even 10 years ago.

Unfiltered fuel can contain vast quantities of contamination like paint chips, dirt and rust. These contaminants must be removed to prevent accelerated wear and ultimate failure of the fuel pump and injectors. The abrasive nature of the particles on the high-precision components of the fuel injection systems cause extreme damage and will eventually lead to an unnecessary expense.

For optimal performance, the fuel filter in your car, truck or SUV should be replaced at regular intervals, as recommended by your auto manufacturer. There is also the issue with water contamination in diesel engines. Since diesel fuel floats on water, and doesn't mix, many diesel vehicles' fuel filters have a drain tap at the bottom of the housing that allows water to be drained off.

Discover how to replace the fuel filter on your car with our new one-job manuals! There are two main types of replaceable fuel filter, but both function in exactly the same way: fuel is passed through a filtration medium often made from a special paper which catches any contamination. Some filters are simple plastic or metal containers, with two fuel line connections, around a filtration medium.

These aren't intended to be serviced, instead you simply replace the entire unit. The other type is a cartridge-style with a replaceable filter housed within a metal container that can be opened. The lid of the container is removed, and the filter element is swapped for a fresh new one.

It's worth noting that some newer cars don't actually have a filter and simply rely on a strainer that's attached to the fuel pump, both located in the tank.

These are only meant to be replaced if the pump goes bad. So if you can't find yours — don't panic! Go to front page.