The role of the fuel filter in a car is to trap large particles of fuel before they reach the engine. The pistons in the engine compress the air and fuel mixture to allow it to burn more efficiently, and if any large particles make it through there's a risk it could cause serious damage to the engine.These large particles can also clog the fuel injectors, which would prevent a cylinder from receiving the proper amount of fuel and require a repair or a replacement of the injector. A properly maintained fuel filter will prevent these issues from occurring, saving you the time and expense of additional repairs to your car.

Replacing your fuel filter regularly is essential for maintaining the health of your engine and protecting it from foreign particles which may cause damage. In general, most mechanics will recommend replacing the filter once a year at the annual service. If you live in a high-pollution area or cover a significant number of miles each month, the filter will need to be replaced on a more regular basis.

There are numerous ways in which dirt and debris can get in to the fuel line, so a working fuel filter is crucial for preventing it causing damage to the engine. Replacing your fuel filter regularly is an inexpensive repair, and could end up saving you a small fortune in the future.

As the filter gets dirty the fuel pump has to work harder (draws more current), and will burn out faster. Also, most fuel systems are "return" types: excess fuel pumped from the tank to the fuel pressure regulator gets returned to the gas tank. Any crud that isn't filtered out can keep getting recirculated blocking injectors/screens and wearing out the fuel pump. Putting in a new filter every 2 years/30,000 miles is cheap insurance and good preventive maintenance.

1. Before any work is undertaken, the pressure in the fuel line will have to be relieved. This is done by disabling the electric fuel pump before starting the engine

2. To disable the fuel pump, first remove the fuel pump fuse from the fuse box. Ensure parking brake is on and start the engine. The car should run briefly before the engine cuts out, meaning the pressure in the fuel lines has been reduced

3. Turn off the engine and disconnect the fuel lines from the filter

4. Compare the existing filter with the new one before disconnecting. The filters should have an arrow indicating which way the fuel passes through

5. If the new filter doesn't have any arrows, make a note of the direction the existing filter is installed and look to replicate this

6. Remove the old filter and replace it with the new one, ensuring everything is refitted securely

7. Reattach the fuel lines securely and replace the fuel pump fuse in the fuse box

8. Start the engine and inspect the new filter for any leaks