How do I know if I need a new fuel filter?

Posted on May 17, 2018 in Auto Repair, Maintenance, Tips From The Pros

The fuel filter is a part that creates a lot of enthusiasm from car lovers but it’s an essential component of every vehicle. The filter protects your fuel pump and injectors from dirt, paint chips, and other debris that finds its way into your fuel tank, and helps ensure that your car is achieving the highest possible fuel-efficiency. 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. But, if your fuel flow becomes reduced because foreign particles are not being filtered out, then you will reduce engine's performance. Be mindful of these five signs that it's time for a replacement:

Shaking at Idle

An early sign of a failing fuel filter is shaking at idling speed. If you're sitting at a stop light and the engine is vibrating your steering wheel or it’s just feeling all jerky, this could mean that you're experiencing some kind of fuel flow problem. There's a fair chance that this could be because of a clogged filter.

Non-Starter or Breaking Down

There are a lot of reasons why your engine might not be starting. But, if your engine is unable to draw fuel, a clogged filter could be the explanation. If you’re already noticing symptoms of a fuel distribution problem and then it won’t start or breaks down, that makes your fuel filter a much more suspicious culprit.

Difficulty Turning Over

If you're experiencing partial blockage rather than a full blockage, your car may well still start, but it won't necessarily do so without a struggle. At this point, you'll want to make sure that you address the problem quickly so that you don't end up finding yourself stranded once the filter is totally done for.

Struggling at Low Speeds

If your engine seems fine on the highway but it’s shaky when pulling out of the driveway or hitting the gas after the light turns green, that’s another sign that it could be the filter.

At V&F

At V&F Auto, our certified mechanics use latest diagnostic equipment, and high-quality CARQUEST auto parts, to make sure we get the job done right. Plus, our auto repair services are backed by an industry-leading 3 year / 36,000-mile warranty on parts and labor. Call us today at (413) 314-2280 or schedule an appointment online.