Don’t Get Stranded – Be Sure To Replace Your Fuel Filter

A fuel filter isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when considering our vehicles. It works hard to prevent dirt, rust, and other contaminants from reaching the crucial components of your fuel system and engine. Over time, the filter gets clogged, significantly hampering your vehicle’s performance and reliability. You could end up stranded unless you replace your fuel filter.

The timing of when to replace your fuel filter depends on the age of your car. Older vehicles should be serviced for around 30,000 miles, while newer ones can be driven about 60,000 miles before needing a filter change. Your Russ Darrow technicians can recommend the proper intervals based on your car’s year, make, and model. Other factors dictate the timing of a fuel filter replacement. If you drive on unpaved roads or in areas with high dust levels, your filter will likely clog faster.  As mentioned above, older car tanks can contain more contaminants, requiring more frequent filtration. Replacing your fuel filter is a relatively straightforward and inexpensive maintenance task that can save you from significant headaches and expensive repairs. Schedule an appointment with Russ Darrow Service using the online form, or stop by, and the team will let you know if it’s time to change the filter. If you experience symptoms like hesitation during acceleration, sluggishness, a loss of power, irregular ignition or sputtering sounds, the engine stalls unexpectedly, especially under load or at idle, or cranks over but fails to start or takes longer than usual, or you get noticeable less fuel mileage, your fuel filter might be clogged and in need of replacement. Even if you don’t see these signs and it’s been a while since you’ve thought about the fuel filter, your filter is most likely dirty. Think about how many months or miles it has been since the last time you had it changed, and consider booking another appointment with Russ Darrow. If you put off a filter change for too long, you can risk engine failure because the fuel pump needs to work extra hard to overcome the dirt-clogged fuel filter. Replacing your fuel filter could save you from becoming stranded on the side of the road.

There are significant benefits to keeping up with this maintenance task. You’ll notice better fuel efficiency, a boost in engine power, and reduced emissions. A newly replaced fuel filter increases the engine’s life and protects fuel injectors. New filters improve engine performance. Think about fuel filters in the same way that you would buy an air filter for your home. Just as you want the air to be clean before entering your body, you want the gasoline to be clean before entering your car’s engine. The filters are located between the fuel tank and the engine, working as a gas purifier. That’s why replacing your fuel filter at the proper intervals is essential. When you get your filter replaced at the recommended mileage, you can prolong the life of your vehicle and avoid getting stranded on the side of the road. Russ Darrow Service facilities are equipped to handle all automotive maintenance. From tire rotations to wiper blade replacements to engine repair and fuel filter replacements, you can rest assured we have the diagnostic tools, state-of-the-art technologies, and highly trained ASE-certified technicians who know how to get you back on the road quickly and at a fair cost. Trust Russ Darrow to keep you from getting stranded by replacing your fuel filter today.