Schedule a service visit with Vielhaber’s Garage if your car, SUV, or truck is having any of the problems listed below. These problems are signs that you have a clogged fuel filter in the fuel system. The fuel filter is a crucial part in that it removes all of the dirt and sediment in the fuel so it is clean before it is burned in the combustion chamber. The fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles.
Difficult Starts
If you fail to change the fuel filter and it gets clogged, you will end up with difficulties starting your automobile. The reason why is simple: The fuel cannot make its way into the combustion chamber because the fuel filter is blocking it. If there is not enough fuel in the cylinders, the engine will crank several times and may or may not fire up. Replacing the fuel filter solves this problem.
Misfiring/Rough Idle
If you do get your engine started, it will not receive a steady supply of fuel because, again, the fuel cannot make its way through the fuel filter. Consequently, this will affect your engine’s performance. You will notice that the engine will misfire while you are driving it, and that it will idle roughly when you are sitting at a stop. In order for the engine to run smoothly, it needs a steady stream of fuel.
Frequent Stalls
To make matters worse, a clogged fuel filter can also make your engine stall frequently. This is not only frustrating but also embarrassing, especially if you end up being unable to start your automobile in the middle of traffic. Again, regular fuel filter changes can prevent this from happening. A clean fuel filter will allow a steady flow into the combustion chamber and prevent your engine from stalling.
Fuel Pump Failure
If your vehicle is equipped with an electronic fuel pump, which most modern vehicles are, it can fail prematurely if the fuel filter is clogged. This is because the fuel pump must work harder to push the fuel into the engine through the clogged filter.
Fuel Pump Noises
In fact, the fuel pump may start to make strange noises such as whining, squealing, or growling as it struggles to push the fuel through the filter. We recommend that you have the fuel system inspected and the filter changed right away if your fuel pump is having problems.
We are Vielhaber’s Garage in Findlay, OH, and we are here to help, so call us today to schedule a service visit.
