What problems can arise from not changing the gasoline filter for a long time?
4 Answers
Not changing the gasoline filter for a long time can cause the filter to become clogged, reducing fuel supply pressure and leading to issues such as poor acceleration and difficulty starting. It also increases the load on the fuel pump, eventually causing damage to the fuel pump. Under normal driving conditions, it is recommended to replace the gasoline filter every 30,000 kilometers. If the quality of the gasoline used is poor, the replacement interval should be shortened, and it can be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. Replacing the gasoline filter is a relatively complex operation, so it is recommended to have it done at a professional repair shop or a 4S shop. The gasoline filter is mainly used to filter impurities in the gasoline, preventing them from entering the injection valve and cold start valve, ensuring the quality of the gasoline flowing into the fuel system. If not changed for a long time, contamination can become increasingly severe, potentially causing blockages, reducing fuel supply pressure, and leading to insufficient fuel supply. This can result in decreased engine power, difficulty starting, rough idling, and weak acceleration. Additionally, a clogged gasoline filter can cause poor fuel atomization, leading to an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture ratio and incomplete combustion, which produces carbon deposits. These carbon deposits can worsen the blockage of the three-way catalytic converter, contaminate the spark plugs and front oxygen sensor, leading to excessive emissions and other faults.
My old car suffered a lot because I didn't change the fuel filter for a long time. If you don't replace it on time, impurities in the fuel system will accumulate more and more, just like a water pipe clogged with sludge. Over time, the fuel pump has to work twice as hard and is particularly prone to burning out. Replacing one costs around a thousand bucks. Moreover, the car will feel like the throttle is heavy, and acceleration becomes sluggish. Sometimes, it even stalls suddenly at a red light. The most troublesome part is when the fuel injectors get clogged with impurities—cleaning them is expensive and a hassle. Now, I've developed the habit of replacing the filter every 30,000 kilometers, which saves a lot of trouble. In fact, the cost of replacing a filter is much cheaper than repairing a fuel pump. Don't lose big for small gains!
I recently encountered an issue with the fuel filter. My car had run 50,000 kilometers without replacing it, resulting in difficulty starting and severe body shaking during acceleration. When the mechanic opened it up, the filter was completely clogged with black impurities, blocking the fuel line. If left unchanged for a long time, the dirt in the fuel can directly enter the fuel injection system, not only causing a surge in fuel consumption but also potentially damaging the entire fuel supply system. For someone like me who frequently drives long distances, it would be extremely dangerous to suddenly experience insufficient fuel supply on the highway. Later, I spent over 200 yuan to replace the filter, and the car immediately ran much smoother. I recommend everyone strictly follow the mileage intervals in the maintenance manual for replacements—safety first.
A friend's car had driven 40,000 kilometers without replacing the fuel filter, and recently experienced frequent acceleration issues. Inspection revealed that the clogged filter caused insufficient fuel pressure, and the fuel injectors were also worn by particles. Long-term neglect can lead to corrosion of fuel tank lines by moisture and impurities in the fuel, and in severe cases, the tank can rust. Worse, a completely blocked filter may cause engine misfires, with repair costs running into thousands. Given the inconsistent quality of today's gasoline, which contains more impurities than a decade ago, it's safer to replace the filter every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers.
