Many
newer vehicles do not specify a recommended replacement
interval. And many have a so-called; "Lifetime"
fuel filter they claim never needs to be replaced.
But any fuel filter will clog and need to be replaced
so don't fall for that "never needs changing"
story.
At my station there are fuel filters in the
pumps to give the fuel a final filtering before
you buy it. This prevents a lot of junk from getting
into your fuel tank. I replace these filters on
the first of every month whether they need it
or not. However, there are a lot of stations out
there who do not have fuel filters on their pumps
so the fuel you put in your tank may be contaminated
with water from leaky underground storage tanks,
improperly mixed alcohol blends, or even watered-down
by an unscrupulous operator who's trying to make
a fast buck.
Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a preventative
maintenance item is insurance that reduces the
risk of the fuel filter plugging up. Brand new
cars right from the dealer are as susceptible
to getting dirty fuel as any other car so even
though the car is new, the fuel filter will start
to clog fairly quickly.
Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a preventative
maintenance item is insurance that reduces the
risk of the fuel filter plugging up. Brand new
cars right from the dealer are as susceptible
to getting dirty fuel as any other car so even
though the car is new, the fuel filter will start
to clog fairly quickly.
Replacing the fuel filter once a year as a preventative
maintenance item is insurance that reduces the
risk of the fuel filter plugging up. Brand new
cars right from the dealer are as susceptible
to getting dirty fuel as any other car so even
though the car is new, the fuel filter will start
to clog fairly quickly.
Another question I'm often asked is; "How
can I tell if my fuel filter needs to be replaced?"
Well, contrary to what a lot of fast oil change
places tell you, you can't tell if a fuel filter
needs replacing just by looking at it. Well, you
could if you have X-Ray vision. And the only guy
I know of that has X-Ray vision wears a red cape
and a tight suit and I have never seen him working
at a fast oil change place.
The only way to tell for sure is to remove the
filter and blow through it. If there's little
resistance, the filter is still okay and does
not need to be replaced. But if there's more than
minimal resistance, the filter is dirty and should
be replaced.
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