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The fuel filter can be found in most internal combustion engines. In fact, it performs the most important function for modern cars that are sensitive to the quality of motor fuel – cleaning from unwanted substances and dirt using special cartridges with filter paper. Thus, filters increase engine power, because the less pollutants in the fuel, the more efficient combustion occurs.
Together with an expert, we understand the secrets and subtleties of high-quality cleaning of motor fuel. In our material, we tell you where the fuel filter is located, how often it needs to be changed, how much it costs and where you can buy it.
What is a fuel filter for?
It only seems that the gasoline poured into the gas tank is as clean as a child’s tear. In fact, it may contain the smallest mechanical impurities, which, once in the engine, will lead to rapid wear of the fuel pump and clog the nozzles. Fuel can pick up various dirt directly in the car – these are, for example, the smallest particles of rust in the gas tank, and when filling the tank. Thus, the fuel filter is designed to clean the fuel from possible impurities and from the wear products of the fuel system. Please note that we are talking only about mechanical impurities. The filter will not protect against chemical additives or water in the fuel.
How often to change the fuel filter
“The resource of the fuel filter is set by the car manufacturer and depends on the model, type of fuel and its quality,” says Director for Service and Spare Parts of AVILON Volkswagen Konstantin Epaneshnikov. – For passenger cars, it can be equal to 40 thousand km, 60 thousand km, or not change at all, that is, have a resource equal to the resource of a car. Such filters, as a rule, are installed on modern gasoline cars and are located in the fuel tank.
Some motorists change fuel filters almost at every technical inspection – they say, this way the engine works more powerfully. You shouldn’t do it. The fuel filter is a thin matter, it is not located in the most sterile conditions, so with each replacement, especially if it is not done by a specialist, there is a big risk of introducing an additional “infection” into the system. What will not “cure” the car, but only harm it.
Types of fuel filters
Fuel filters are divided into three main types. Submersible – they are in the fuel tank. Straight-through – filter the fuel coming from the fuel tank. And the third type – with the connection of the return fuel line, they filter the fuel from the tank and the return line of the engine.
Heated fuel filters can be distinguished as a separate type; they are used for diesel engines. Many people know this problem – in the cold season, the diesel does not start. This is due to the fact that paraffins crystallize in diesel fuel at temperatures below +3 degrees, which clog the fuel flow to the engine.
“The filter “overgrows” with frozen paraffins and stops passing diesel fuel to the engine, so the car simply won’t start,” he explains. Konstantin Epaneshnikov.
Heating saves from this problem. Previously, craftsmen installed special “heaters” on the filter; in modern models, filters already have a built-in heating system.
Where is the fuel filter
On diesel engines, filters are usually installed under the hood of the car. On gasoline – under the bottom or in the fuel tank.
What you need to remember for those who want to change the fuel filter with their own hands
– Replacing the fuel filter is a rather laborious procedure, plus it is unsafe, because there is work with fuel – it is not recommended for an unprepared person to change the fuel filter with their own hands, – believes Konstantin Epaneshnikov. – As a rule, after replacing the filter, fuel leaves the fuel line, problems arise with starting. This is especially pronounced on diesel cars – it is difficult to start a diesel car after replacing the fuel filter. This is another argument in favor of not changing the fuel filter yourself, especially if the person is not prepared and does not know how to do it correctly.
However, if you decide to change the fuel filter yourself, you must wait until the fuel runs out. After that, turn the ignition again for three seconds so that the pressure is gone.
You will find detailed instructions for replacing the fuel filter in this article.
Popular questions and answers
We asked our expert to answer the most frequent questions from motorists about replacing the fuel filter, its service life and prices in car dealerships – Director for Service and Spare Parts of AVILON Volkswagen Konstantin Epaneshnikov.