Fuel Filters

What is a fuel filter?

Fuel filters are devices that strain the fuel and remove any dirt or other contaminants from the fuel. It is important that the engine only receive fuel that is clean. Dirty fuel can lead to damage of the fuel system and other parts of the engine. There are different types of fuel filter depending on your vehicles requirements.

These are:

• Filter element

• Filter cartridge or canister

• In-tank filter

• Life-time (non serviceable) filter

How do I choose the correct fuel filter?

Some car makers have different fuel filters listed for the same vehicle so it is important to select the correct replacement. We would recommend that you obtain the part number from the filter that you need to replace and search for parts that match that number. If obtaining the part number is not possible then sometimes you can compare the measurements of the filter. If there are electrical connectors or fuel sensors on your filter please check that these match the details of the filter in the parts compatibility notes.

Here are some factors to consider when selecting the correct replacement fuel filter:

• Location of filter on the vehicle

• If there is a sensor, electrical connector for a sensor or how many connectors the sensor has

• Vehicle manufacture date (this is not the date the vehicle was registered but the date it was made

• Engine number sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

• VIN (chassis number) sequence (up to or after as specific number/letter

What brand of fuel filter should I choose?

Some brands such as Bosch manufacture fuel filters for the original car brands so they would be considered a premium maker. There are a number of high quality aftermarket brands of the highest quality that meet or exceed the original specifications when it comes to making fuel filters. Brands such as Blue Print, Borg & Beck, Mann Filter, Delphi and Febi offer parts that are both easy on the budget, reliable and represent great value.

How can I tell my fuel filter needs replacing?

Fuel filters are one of the parts that should be replaced at the recommended service intervals as stated by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Sometimes a filter may need replacing before the stated service interval. If you have any issues with your fuel system we would always recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic to receive an accurate diagnosis.

Some of the symptoms of a faulty or bad fuel filter are:

• Engine struggles to start

• Engine misfires or stalls (especially while accelerating)

• Check engine light is illuminated

• Fuel pump is noisier than usual

• Failure or blockage of fuel system components such as fuel pump or injectors