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While some automakers such as GM and Stellantis have eliminated inline fuel filters in their later gasoline models. There are plenty of cars out there that still are equipped with this critical piece of equipment as well as all diesels. So let’s have a closer look at fuel filter replacement cost and remember to not ignore a fuel filter replacement as it can lead to a host of driveability problems.
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Function of a Fuel Filter
A fuel filter’s job is to remove solid contaminants from the fuel before it gets to the engine. This helps protect fuel injectors, which have their own small filtering screen. Unfortunately an injector’s screen isn’t replaceable, but only available as part of the injector assembly.
How Much Does a Fuel Filter Replacement Cost?
For in line filters on mainstream gasoline cars and trucks, a replacement will run about CDN $100 and up. Some diesel powered pick-ups, especially those with multiple filters, can see bills of CDN $400 or more.
Factors Affecting Fuel Filter Replacement Cost
When it comes to pricing it’s a matter of location. Many manufacturers locate the filter under the vehicle to keep it from getting too hot, and in retail service outlets this means the use of a hoist. Some makers locate them in the engine bay which may be a shorter job unless some evil engineer made it necessary to remove other components for access. More difficult it is to reach the fuel filter, the higher the fuel filter replacement cost will likely be. The cost of the fuel filter itself can vary greatly between automaker original and aftermarket offerings. If you opt for the aftermarket fuel filter, stick with well known name brands such as Percolator or K&N for examples.
Signs You Need a New Fuel Filter
A partially clogged filter will reduce fuel flow to the engine. This can lead to running symptoms such as the engine lagging on acceleration or stumbling. It can also cause no-start conditions.
Filter Service Interval
Manufacturer recommended intervals range from 50,000 km to 75,000 km. Check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific fuel filter replacement interval.
Types of Fuel Filters
There are basically two types of fuel filters; inline and in-tank. Those vehicles without an inline filter rely on a small mesh bag attached to the intake of the fuel pump inside the tank. This is often referred to as a sock and has no recommended replacement interval. They’re meant to last the life of the vehicle. Inline filters are leak-proof canisters located in the fuel feed line between the tank and the engine. If your ride has one, it requires regular replacement.
How to Choose the Right Fuel Filter
Your parts counter-person at your favourite aftermarket retailer can tell you what brand they sell the most, but a tech, with experience with your particular make and model, can let you know what brands have less than stellar reliability and performance. Or you can stick with an automaker’s original and reduce the guesswork.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Getting fuel from a reputable and high volume gas station can go a long way to avoiding fuel filter troubles. Each pump at a filling station has its own large canister filter and it would be nice for oil companies to post something on each pump indicating the filter was changed within its interval. But alas, that’s not the case.
FAQs About Fuel Filter Replacement Cost
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Can You Drive with a Bad Fuel Filter?
Depending on the amount of flow restrict a past-due filter is providing, yes but you’re risking a breakdown or damage to the fuel pump.
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How Many Years Does a Fuel Filter Last?
Like most maintenance items, filters have a time and distance interval to avoid a low-mileage driver letting the filter age out before replacement. In our harsh climate letting one go past 3 years is risking it. And metal canister filters located under the vehicle are exposed to the worst that Canadian winter roads can throw at them. If a filter develops a leak, you’re looking at a major fire risk.
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What Happens If Fuel Filter Is Not Replaced?
If a filter fails completely and won’t let fuel flow to the engine, then you’ll have the safest vehicle ever; one that doesn’t start or run.
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