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What are the most common problems after changing fuel filter?
It is practically impossible to own an automobile and not have to fix different faults from time to time. Yes, even if you never default on maintenance, as the car ages, some parts would begin to wear out due to constant usage, dust, rot, and many other consequences.
That said, there are some components of the car that many drivers pay less attention to. These components are mostly ignored because they naturally seem insignificant, meanwhile, they play very important roles in vehicles.
One of those components is the “Fuel Filter.” Many people hardly change their fuel filters; however, a bad or damaged fuel filter can cause a car not to work.
Even when changed, if the new filter is not good, your car would still not work properly. So, what problems usually comes up after changing fuel filters?
Let’s find out!
What You Should Know About Fuel Filters
The major problems with fuel filters originate as a result of improper maintenance. Even if you frequently take your car to a mechanic workshop for regular maintenance, some mechanics just don’t care to change the fuel filters.
Common issues with fuel filters include breakage and clogging.
A clogged fuel filter will restrict the proper flow of fuel into the engine, and a damaged one is likely to cause overflow of fuel, along with debris, into the engine, which would cause dirty building in the combustion chamber/cylinder; thus, cause your engine to stall, go out, or overheat.
Fuel filters are inexpensive to buy, and the cost of changing is also relatively cheap. However, sometimes, when you go to change your fuel filters, some mechanics may use an old one in their box; thus, even after the change, you may notice that your car’s performance is still not what it used to be (when everything was okay).
That said, it is important that you pay attention to the filter being installed on your car – buy the filter yourself, if possible.
Common Problems After Changing Fuel Filter
When you change your car’s fuel filter, it improves the flow of dirt-free fuel into the engine, therefore causing your car to run smoothly (if there are no other issues with the car).
A good fuel filter will trap dirt, debris, and other containments while allowing a sufficient amount of fuel to pass into the engine.
The benefits of a good fuel filter cannot be overstated. Apparently, a good, clean fuel filter will help to improve engine life as it keeps preventing elements, particles, and dirt that could cause buildups inside the engine.
Just as oil filters are important and need to be changed regularly, fuel filters are also very important. It is even safe to say that fuel filters play a more important role than oil filters.
However, every component in an automobile is vital, including the big, significant ones and the tiny, insignificant ones.
You will only encounter fuel filter-related problems if the new (changed) filter installed on your car is not actually a new (good) one.
For the fact that you installed a good filter in your vehicle, your engine should perform smoothly, especially if there is no other issue with the car.
Signs Of A Bad or Damaged Fuel Filter
When the fuel filter in your vehicle is clogged, you are likely to experience a significant drop in the performance of your engine.
That is the commonest sign of a bad fuel filter; notwithstanding, there are a bunch of other signs that depict it’s time to check the fuel filter.
Some modern cars now come with a fuel filter indicator on the dashboard – to notify drivers when the filter needs attention (maybe a replacement).
1. Zero Fuel Efficiency
One of the major functions of fuel filters is to regulate fuel transmission into the engine, thereby leading to improved fuel efficiency.
On the contrary, when this filter is bad or damaged, it would either cause overflow of fuel or underflow, as the case may be: A clogged fuel filter will restrict proper flow of fuel, while a broken filter may cause overflow.
2. Engine Misfire
A bad furl filter is liable to cause misfiring – an irregular surge or hesitation while driving on a smooth road.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of other situations that could cause engine misfires – regardless, a bad filter is one of the causes.
3. Hard Start
Since a bad fuel filter is likely to stop fuel from flowing into the engine, chances are that your car would not start.
When you begin to experience usual hard starting, it could be that it’s time to check on your fuel filter, and possibly change it.
4. Check Engine Light Comes On (or Fuel Filter Light Comes On)
For vehicles that have a fuel filter indicator on their dashboard, when the system detects that the filter is bad or faulty, the indicator light will illuminate.
On the other hand, for vehicles that do not have fuel filter indicators, the check engine indicator will definitely come on to inform you that something is wrong.
5. Stalling
Engine stalling is yet another sign of a failing fuel filter. This usually happens if the filter has been bad for a while and you’ve refused to get it replaced or unclogged. Stalling happens as a result of insufficient fuel in the engine.
When To Change Your Fuel Filter?
It is advisable to change your car’s fuel filter after running 30,000 miles. However, some people change theirs after 40,000 miles.
You have to pick a comfortable mileage between 30,000 to 40,000. Some other driver may never change their fuel filter until it’s clogged or broken – don’t be like such “other” drivers.
Conclusion
So, what are the common problems after changing fuel filter? You shouldn’t experience any problems after changing your fuel filter. If the fuel filter was the only problem with your car, then changing it should get your car back to performing as new.
However, if that does happen – if your car is;t functioning properly after the fuel filter replacement – it could be that the newly installed filter is not good. Thus, you need to inspect the new filter to ensure that it is not damaged in any way, or clogged.
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