No Fueling Around (Fuel Filter Replacement)
October 13, 2024
A driver called in to the shop the other day saying his European sports sedan had an odd problem. He was driving when his car started to slow down. Applying more throttle didn't help. He pulled over to the side of the road, shut the engine off and waited a few minutes before starting it up again. It ran fine… for a couple of minutes. Then the same thing happened. He was able to finally get home by stopping and restarting, and he was calling to see if we could take a look at it.
Turned out it was one of his car's fuel filters that choked up with debris so badly that enough fuel couldn't get through it. When he stopped the car, enough fuel could flow through the unpressurized fuel line to supply enough fuel for a couple of minutes when he restarted his car. But then the pressure would cause things to clog again.
There are other symptoms that point to a failing fuel filter. Perhaps your engine misfires, your vehicle is hard to start, or your fuel pump starts making odd noises.
If you experience any of these signs, bring your vehicle in so we can have a technician check it out.
Many vehicles have at least two fuel filters. One is a strainer that is part of the fuel pump in the fuel tank, and the other is in the main fuel line. Your vehicle's manufacturer recommends how often yours should be changed, but your driving habits and environment (such as dirty or dusty conditions) may mean yours will have to be replaced more often.
The technician will also look to see if your vehicle might have another problem that's causing your fuel filter to fail more frequently than normal, such as corrosion in the fuel tank.
Your engine needs fuel to run. Maintain the health of your fuel system and that will help keep you on the road to your destination.
Spartan Tire Brighton
4880 Old U.S. 23
Brighton, MI 48114
8102277377
Need Service?
More articles from Spartan Tire Brighton

In the Red (Why a Vehicle Overheats)
December 14, 2025
Heat is one thing that can damage a vehicle, especially if a problem isnt taken care of soon. Be on the lookout for signs that its getting too hot in some parts of your vehicle, starting with the most obvious one: the heat gauge/warning light on your instrument panel. When you see that heat gaug... More

Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter: What?s the Difference?
December 7, 2025
You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle. But did you know your vehicle has two different major air filters and they both perform quite differentbut very importantduties? Todays vehicles have a cabin air filter, and an engine air filter. The engine a... More

10 Things That Are Lowering Your Fuel Economy
November 30, 2025
Regardless of whatever current gas prices may be, if you could use less gas, wouldnt you? Well, here are 10 things that are robbing you of better fuel economy that you can change for the better: Not enough air in your tires. Underinflated tires have a smaller rolling diameter and more res... More
