Fuel Filter Replacement

Guarding against grit

Paul W. Cockerham / autoMedia.com

With practically every new car on the road today powered by fuel injection, keeping the fuel system clean is more critical than ever. A tiny grain of dirt can clog injectors, leading to erratic performance and lousy gas mileage. Changing your fuel filter every 10,000 miles or so will guard against contaminants that can cause engine damage and burn out the fuel pump. (As always, check your owner's manual for recommended maintenance schedules and procedures.)

Changing your fuel filter every 10,000 miles or so will guard against contaminants that can cause engine damage and burn out the fuel pump. A clogged fuel filter may be the most common reason a vehicle won't start after a dead battery. If your ignition system checks out, and you can hear the fuel pump buzzing along when you turn the ignition key, then dollars to doughnuts your fuel filter is clogged.

Today, you'll find the fuel filter along a stainless steel line, either bolted to a rail underneath the vehicle just ahead of the rear wheels or under the hood near the firewall.

Don't start the job until you've completely read the instructions.

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