What is a car fuel filter?
A fuel filter is basically a mechanism that is integrated into a vehicle’s fuel system to ensure that it removes all the contaminants present in the fuel.
The contaminants could be plastic or metal. In earlier days, fuel filters were made of plastic and their sizes were small. It was great in those days as the fuel used to pass at low pressure but now, the fuel filters need to be strong enough to handle the high pressure of modern cars.
Moreover, the placement of the fuel filters used to be different in the old days. In earlier days the fuel filter used to be placed anywhere between the fuel line whereas the new vehicles have a fuel filter, which is placed inside the fuel tank.
Material Used In Modern Fuel Filters
The modern fuel filters are not just made of plastic anymore as they come in a blend of different materials. The outer shell of the filter is made out of better material, which makes it more protected.
The inside tube of the filter is usually built with sturdy material like steel to ensure that it can handle pressure. Filter Media is one of the inner parts of the fuel filter that collects the contaminants. It is usually made of synthetic or cellulose material.
What Does A Fuel Filter Do in a Car?
Wondering how important this little device could be for your car? It is worth noting that it can work as your engine protector by removing all the impurities. It will help your vehicle’s engine to perform for a longer period of time as it will screen all the contaminants and trap them before reaching the engine.
This will ensure the smooth working of your vehicle’s engine. Wondering how does the impure particles mix with the fuel? It mostly happens in the fuel tank during the transportation process.
The tank might consist of impure particles including paint chips and rust. They can easily fall and get mixed with the fuel. The fuel filter simply removes all kind of particles and provide your engine with clean fuel.
Types Of Fuel Filters
There are different types of fuel filters including primary fuel filter, secondary filter, canister fuel filter, cartridge fuel filter, spin-on fuel filter, inline fuel filter, and in-tank fuel filter. The design and style of the fuel filters may differ depending on various factors including the year of manufacture, model, and vehicle type.
Primary Fuel Filter. The primary fuel filter functions to eliminate the large particles, wax, and water.
Secondary Filter. This filter is used mainly for diesel fuel that helps to remove small particles. The secondary filter is usually placed near the fuel pump’s pressure side.
Canister Fuel Filter. This filter type consists of the filtration element inside. However, they are not environmentally friendly.
Cartridge Fuel Filter. This cartridge filter comes with filtration media. One of the downsides of this filter is that it doesn’t come with an outer shell.
Spin-On Fuel Filter. These filters are placed in the engine compartment and they can be replaced easily.
Inline Fuel Filter. These filters are added to the vehicle with help of plastic clips and a metal bracket. They are placed between the engine and the gas tank.
In-Tank Fuel Filter. As the name suggests, they are mounted inside the fuel tank. One of the major disadvantages of this filter is that it is located out of sight, which makes it difficult to service or replace.
How To Know If The Fuel Filter Goes Bad?
Collected to many particles and discolored. After driving your vehicle for thousands of miles, you can expect your fuel filter to hold too many particles already. If you want to confirm that, you can simply check the fuel filter’s pores and how badly it has been discolored.
Fuel pressure has been dropped. If you notice that fuel is not reaching the engine properly due to which your vehicle stops while driving, you can use a pressure gauge. This tool will allow you to check if your fuel filter has been clogged and the pressure has been dropped.
FAQs About The Fuel Filter
Q: How often should a fuel filter be changed?
It depends on how much you have driven the vehicle. Usually, the fuel filter requires changing after 20,000 and 150,000 miles. If your car is older, it is recommended to change the filter often.
Q: How do I know if my fuel filter needs changing?
If you struggle to start your car, it doesn't start at all, isn't smooth at low speed, car stops while driving, then you should change your fuel filter.
Q: What is the cost of a fuel filter replacement?
It may cost between $50 and $170 to replace a fuel filter, including the labor cost. The fuel filter part costs between $15 and $70.
Q: What does a clogged fuel filter sound like?
You will hear ticking and knocking sounds after your car has been warmed up if the fuel filter is clogged as it drops the pressure in the engine.
Conclusion
The fuel filter is one of the most important parts of your car as it is directly connected to your engine’s performance. Make sure that you replace them whenever required so that there are no issues with your vehicle in the long run. Here at SuncentAuto.com, you can buy the quality fuel filter replacement at great price. PHILTOP car filters from SuncentAuto are high-performance and afforable,
Hope this article helped you to understand what is a fuel filter and what does a fuel filter does in a car to keep your engine protected.
