Have the fuel filter changed every 30,000 miles to prevent it from getting clogged. We can do this at our auto service shop. If your fuel filter gets clogged, you will have problems with your SUV, car, or truck.
Difficult Starts
It can be challenging to get your car started if there is not enough fuel in the combustion chamber. One of the things that can prevent the fuel from making its way into the chamber is a clogged fuel filter. Clogged injectors can also make it difficult to get your engine started.
Misfiring
Even if the engine does start, it needs a steady stream of fuel to run efficiently. If there is no steady stream of fuel because the fuel filter is clogged, your engine will misfire. You will hear the engine cut out, and you will feel your vehicle jerk when the engine cuts out.
Rough Idling
This is particularly noticeable when you are sitting idle. The engine will idle roughly because it is not getting enough fuel to maintain combustion. Unfortunately, the only way to resolve this issue is to replace the clogged fuel filter with a new one through which the fuel can flow.
Stalling
In severe cases, your engine will stall. For example, it may stall while you are sitting idle, or it may stall while driving. In addition, you may notice that the engine struggles to run when you press the accelerator. These are signs that the engine is fuel-starved.
Whining
Another consequence of a clogged fuel filter is problems with the fuel pump. When the fuel hits the clog in the filter, the pump must work harder to push the fuel through. Consequently, you may hear the fuel pump whining in your vehicle’s fuel tank.
Fuel Pump Failure
This can also overheat the fuel pump motor and cause it to fail. On average, a fuel pump lasts 100,000 miles. That said, if the fuel pump is fighting a clogged fuel filter, it can malfunction and die prematurely.
Bring your vehicle to our shop if you have any problems discussed in this blog post. We would be happy to inspect the fuel filter and replacement if necessary.