Signs Your Fuel Filter Needs To Be Changed

Your fuel filter is probably a part of your vehicle you do not think about that often. It is hidden away inside of your engine, and as long as it is doing its job, you do not need to think about it. However, when your fuel filter needs to be changed, your vehicle will let you know by demonstrating some of the signs listed below.

Your Engine Is Hesitating Or Acting Erratic

When you push on the gas, your vehicle should smoothly accelerate. However, if you feel your vehicle hesitating when you push on the gas, or if your vehicle struggles to accelerate at high speeds, you have a problem. Your fuel filter has to be clean in order for the right amount of fuel to flow smoothly into your engine. If  your fuel filter is clogged, your vehicle will not be able to accelerate smoothly all the time. 

Your Vehicle Is Hard To Start

If it takes a few turns of the key to start your car, your engine is trying to tell you that the fuel filter needs to be changed. If your fuel filter is full of debris, it will be hard for your engine to get the fuel it needs to start. After a few tries, the fuel may get through. 

If it has been more than two years since you last changed your fuel filter, you may want to schedule an appointment to have it changed as soon as possible. 

Your Vehicle Will Not Start At All

If your fuel filter is completely clogged up with junk, fuel will not be able to flow into your engine. You need fuel as well as air in order to get your engine going. If nothing happens when you turn the key, it may be your fuel filter that is causing the problem. 

However, you should first make sure that you didn't leave any lights on. Leaving your lights on can drain your battery and cause your engine to not start. If you did leave the lights on, you need a jump, not a new fuel filter.

Fixing The Problem

If you notice any of the above problems with your vehicle, take it to your local mechanic and ask them to change out the fuel filter. The filters themselves are relatively inexpensive. You will primarily be paying for the labor it takes to replace the fuel filter for your specific vehicle. 

If your vehicle is new, you only need to change your fuel filter about every 30,000 miles. However, if your vehicle is a little older, you should change your fuel filter every year because debris often builds up in the fuel filter as a vehicle ages. 

For more information, contact a business such as Professional Automotive.

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