Fuel Filter
Car Parts
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Fuel Filter Information
What is a fuel filter?
Car fuel filters play an important job in protecting engines. These tiny parts catch any dirt or debris in your fuel, stopping it from entering the combustion chamber where it could damage your engine. Petrol fuel filters and diesel fuel filters do exactly the same job and work in the same way.
Where is the fuel filter located?
The fuel filter is commonly found between the fuel tank and the engine. This is called an inline fuel filter because it is between the two, making it inline with the fuel system. In some vehicles, the fuel filter is found on or inside the fuel tank. You could check your car’s manual to locate your vehicle's fuel filter.
Bad fuel filter symptoms
Over time, debris that the filter catches can build up and cause a blockage. If you have a clogged fuel filter, signs you need to change your fuel filter include difficulty starting your car, sputtering, issues accelerating, stalling or misfiring.
How often to change a fuel filter?
When to get a filter change depends on your car. In the past, it was recommended to change your fuel filter after around 30,000 miles, but improvements in today’s vehicles means they can last up to 60,000 miles. This means that the older the vehicle, the more likely you will have to change your fuel filter.
Fuel filter replacement
Completing a fuel filter change is a simple job and is an essential part of any minor or major service. It’s pretty easy to do with the right parts and the right tools. Our car parts selector tool makes choosing a replacement filter simple. Just add your registration and you’ll see a selection of high-quality car parts that will be straight replacements for your current filter. You can find the entire range of fuel filters online.
Buy fuel filters from Halfords
Order online and enjoy free delivery when you spend over £20. You can also take advantage of our Click and Collect service to have your fuel filter delivered to your nearest Halfords store. Buy it today and you’ll be able to collect it tomorrow. We’ve been helping drivers to care for their cars and enjoy trouble-free trips for over 100 years.
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For your engine to run smoothly, the fuel fed to the combustion chamber must be clean and free of pollutants. The job if the fuel filter is to keep your petrol or diesel fuel system and car engine running smoothly by removing unwanted debris.
What is a fuel filter?
The filter removes contaminants such as debris, dust, and other particles from petrol or diesel fuel before it reaches the vehicles engine. This ensures the fuel entering the combustion chamber is clean and allows the engine to run efficiently. If the fuel filter is not replaced on time or becomes dirty, it can lead to damage or blockages to fuel injectors or carburettors resulting in reduced performance, poor fuel economy or possibly engine failure.
When should you change a fuel filter?
On average, you’ll need to change the car fuel filter at around 30,000 miles, but they can last anywhere up to 60,000 miles in some cars.
Signs you need to replace the fuel filter
If the fuel filter becomes damaged or blocked, you may notice some of the following signs:
- The car starts sputtering
- You experience jerking movement when accelerating
- The car stalls frequently
- Unusual engine noise or misfiring
Order a fuel filter replacement online
Select the correct petrol or diesel fuel filter for your by entering your vehicle registration number or by selecting your vehicle make, model and year to identify the right parts. Order online for Click and Collect at your local Halford store or have the parts delivered directly to you.
What other car filters are available?
Fuel filter FAQs
The fuel filter is located between the fuel tank and car engine. It’s called an inline fuel filter because it sits in the middle of both. It can also be found on or inside the fuel tank in some vehicles.
It varies from vehicle to vehicle, but it’s usually a straightforward process if you have the part you need and know how to operate a car’s mechanics. For more details, read our step-by-step guide.
Fuel filter replacement costs vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the brand of water pump used. Enter your vehicle registration number and we’ll show you the correct fuel filter for your car, alongside other products designed for your vehicle.
We strongly advise against driving a car without a fuel filter. Without it, debris and dirt could make its way into the combustion chamber which could damage your car’s engine.