What is a Car Fuel Filter?

A car fuel filter is a component of the fuel delivery system in a vehicle. It is a small part but plays an important role in ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle.

Fuel Filter Function

A car runs on fuel, which should be clean and delivered timely for efficient burning and ideal vehicle performance. However, many times, the petrol contains some debris and impurities that can affect the fuel burning efficiency or clog the fuel injectors. Therefore, car fuel filters are required to remove these unwanted particles from the petrol. They use a filter media to perform the function or in some cases, a mesh. 

Location of Car Fuel Filter

Fuel filters are a part of almost every internal combustion engine. These are located under your car anywhere between the engine and the fuel tank. Look either in the fuel line or at its opening. In case you fail to find it, check out the car manual as the car fuel filter location will be pointed out in it. 

Types of Fuel Filter in a Car

Unlike the diesel fuel filters that remove the water from the fuel as well, petrol filters are more basic with simple mechanisms. Among other differences between the fuels, petrol is a cleaner fuel compared to diesel and requires a single filtration system. These filters are of two main types: 

1. Inline Fuel Filter

These filters are usually located along the fuel line between the engine and fuel tank, under the car. This type of filter has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is towards the fuel pump side and the outlet is on the other side. These two openings are connected to the fuel line. The entire structure is held in place by plastic safety clips and a metal bracket. 

2. Intank Fuel Filter

This type of fuel filter is located in the petrol tank and is hidden from the view. Most of the modern cars use this type of fuel filter. It can either be integrated or separated from the fuel pump. Instead of inlets and outlets, the filter works by means of a mesh cleaning the fuel. 

As compared to inline fuel filters that can be easily replaced, in-tank filters are inaccessible. They cannot be replaced separately and in case of a fault, the entire assembly will have to be replaced making it a more costly option. 

How to inspect a fuel filter

A car fuel filter inspection is a straightforward process. You need to test if the filter is running smoothly without any clogging. While some of the fuel filters come in a see-through plastic housing and allow you to observe the condition of these filters. In other cases, there is a little window allowing you a view inside the filter. 

Once you have a view inside the filter, you can chel its functioning in the following ways: 

a. Filter Media Method

Check the media for how badly the pores are clogged. If the filter media has changed colours or visibly covered with debris, it is time to change your car fuel filters. 

b. Fuel Pressure Method

Measuring the fuel pressure is another accurate method to check the condition of your fuel filter. Using a pressure gauge, you can check the pressure of the fuel. In the case of clogging, you will observe a characteristic drop in the pressure. 

c. Running the Engine Method

Although not a very conventional method, it is still a viable way to check the fuel filter. Disconnect the line going to the filter only at the engine side. Then ask someone to start the engine while you keep an eye on the flow of the petrol out of the filter. If the flow is insufficient, it is an indication of filter clogging. 

Signs of a Bad Fuel Filter

Over time, the fuel filters get clogged and this is reflected via different ways. Some car performance issues indicative of fuel filter problems are: 

·Loss or reduction of power whenever the engine is under stress

·Check engine light is on as a warning light on the car dashboard

·The car fails to start in case of severe clogging 

·The tachometer needle may move erratically

·Engine stuttering and car vibrating when idle

When to replace a car fuel filter

A fuel filter is likely to lose its filtration ability due to wear and tear with time or because of increased stress. Therefore, fuel filter replacement is recommended after a certain time or in case of increasing fuel filter problems. In the beginning of the automobile industry, the lifespan of a car fuel filter was estimated to be around 30,000 to 60,000 km. However, with cleaner fuel and better technology, it increased to 100,000 kilometres.