Fuel Filter Service
Keep Your Ride Race Ready With a Clean Fuel Filter!
Do you feel like your vehicle is dragging its feet, even though you just filled it up? Or maybe it has an unburned fuel smell that you can’t seem to get rid of? Or, most commonly, your CEL is on, but you’re sure there’s nothing wrong with the engine.
In that case, your fuel filter may be the culprit. If your fuel filter is clogged or broken, don’t hesitate to seek our help at Stone Automotive. We’ll check out the fuel filter symptoms and replace it to improve your vehicle’s efficiency right away.
The Importance of Keeping Your Fuel Filter Clean
A fuel filter is responsible for straining dirty debris, rust, and other contaminants from the fuel before it reaches the engine. However, to enjoy these fuel filter benefits, you also need to keep the right fuel filter maintenance tips in mind.
If unfiltered fuel enters the engine, the fuel pumps, injectors, and engine cylinders will wear down a lot faster. That’s why replacing your fuel filter on time is more important than you’d think.
According to AutoZone, you should replace the filter at least every two years or 24,000 miles. Surprisingly, the type of fuel you use can also have an impact on the fuel filter's lifespan. A 2024 study found that the estimated lifespan of a filter used with a biofuel blend is much shorter (345 hours) than pure petrodiesel (14,427 hours). The type of filter (inline vs. cartridge fuel filter) also impacts how often you should replace it.
Small decisions like opting for petrodiesel over biofuel and replacing your fuel filter on time can transform your vehicle’s engine health. At Stone Automotive we’ll make taking care of your engine easier by performing a fuel filter replacement for you.
Signs Your Fuel Filter Needs to be Replaced
To avoid fuel filter problems down the road, you must keep an eye on your engine’s performance for telltale symptoms. Here are some common signs of a clogged fuel filter that mean it’s time for a replacement at Stone Automotive.
Difficulty Starting the Vehicle
The main symptom of a clogged fuel filter is if you’re having trouble starting the vehicle. In many cases, vehicle owners overlook the fuel filter because they assume the problem is with the battery or the starter. However, it’s actually because your engine isn’t getting enough fuel.
Engine Stalling
Since your engine isn’t getting fuel consistently due to the clog, it will stall a lot more frequently. This issue will show up more when you slow down the vehicle or try to drive uphill. It’ll also show up as sputtering or even shutting down unexpectedly.
Misfires and Rough Idling
In a worst-case scenario, a clogged filter will cause your engine to misfire. It might also result in rough idling due to irregular combustion caused by insufficient fuel flow. You’ll know your engine is misfiring when it starts jerking or shuddering out of nowhere, especially when you speed up.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
The longer your fuel filter stays clogged, the harder your engine will work to stay alive. As a result, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency will continue to drop. That means more frequent trips to the gas station and a sudden dip in overall mileage.
Trouble Accelerating
Restricted fuel flow also causes your vehicle to hesitate or even lose power when you’re trying to speed up. That’s when the engine demands the most fuel, which is why the fuel filter problems will show up even more prominently.
Fuel Pump Damage
According to NAPA, most fuel pumps last at least 100,000 miles. So if your fuel pump is damaged way before that milestone, it’s most likely that the fuel filter needs replacing. Clogged filters make fuel pumps work harder, which explains the premature failure.
Fuel Your Vehicle With Pure Juice, Replace Your Fuel Filter atStone Automotive
A clean fuel filter can be the difference between a smoothly running engine and a catastrophic misfire. If you correctly maintain your vehicle’s fuel system, contamination prevention will be a breeze.
Now that you know when to replace the fuel filter, the only thing left to do is contact Stone Automotive at (636) 566-6104. It’s the best spot to get a professional fuel filter replacement in the Winfield, MO area!
