Fuel filters do a lot of your truck’s dirty work, which is why it is so important to change them regularly. A dirty fuel filter can cause a number of problems, ranging from mildly irritating to very destructive. Here’s a quick rundown of information about your fuel filter, what it does, why you need, and why you should absolutely be changing it periodically.
What is a fuel filter?
A fuel filter is basically what it sounds like – a part that filters the fuel in your truck. The filter is located within the fuel line between the engine and the fuel tank and works to catch dirt and other contaminants that are in fuel.
What happens if I let my fuel filter get too dirty?
Over time, the fuel filter will become clogged with the dirt and contaminants that it has captured. Additionally, these contaminants will also settle in the bottom of your fuel tank, which will ultimately force your fuel filter to work harder. When this happens, not enough fuel is able to bypass the filter and reach your engine. What does pass through will also be dirty, which can cause significant damage to your fuel injectors and other engine parts over time.
How will I know my fuel filter is clogged?
When your filter begins to be clogged, you may notice that you can’t accelerate as quickly as you want to, or that your truck just won’t run as well. While this can be irritating, especially if you’re accelerating to get on the highway, it can also be dangerous. If you need to speed up quickly to avoid danger, you may find that your truck doesn’t have the get up and go to do it. Other symptoms include decreased fuel economy and difficulty starting your vehicle.
How often should I change my fuel filter?
Preventative maintenance is key to your truck’s performance, and changing your fuel filter is part of this maintenance. Fuel filters should be changed about every 20,000 miles to ensure that your truck’s fuel components and engine aren’t compromised.