How often should the fuel filter of a sedan be replaced?
2 Answers
The replacement interval for the fuel filter of a sedan is generally 10,000 kilometers. If the gasoline used has fewer impurities, it is also acceptable to replace it every 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers. The filter has arrow markings for the inlet and outlet oil ports; be careful not to install it backwards during replacement. The fuel filter is located on the inlet side of the fuel pump, where the working pressure is relatively low, and it usually has a nylon shell. For fuel-injected engines, the fuel filter is located on the outlet side of the fuel pump, where the working pressure is higher, and it typically has a metal shell. The filter element of the fuel filter is mostly made of filter paper, but some use nylon cloth or polymer materials. The main function of the fuel filter is to remove impurities from the gasoline.
I've been driving this car for over a decade and realized the fuel filter is nothing to take lightly. Generally, the manufacturer's manual recommends replacing it every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers or every two years or so. Daily commutes with heavy traffic naturally lead to higher fuel consumption, but if you frequently fill up with low-quality gas from those small, unreliable stations, the filter clogs up much faster. With excessive impurities, you might need to replace it in as little as 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers. Changing it yourself is actually doable—just buy a new filter for a few dozen bucks, and a basic wrench and screwdriver will do the trick. Just don’t apply too much force to avoid damaging the fuel lines. Once, I forgot to replace it, and the engine started shaking badly with weak acceleration, costing me hundreds in repairs later—definitely not worth it. So now, every maintenance season, I make sure to check it to keep the car running smoothly.
