When and how to replace the fuel filter. How to replace the fuel filter with your own hands

Maintaining the condition of the filters in your car is the first thing to do when servicing your car. Why do we need filters in a vehicle and how much does it cost today Fresh air for the engine and for the driver? What threatens untimely replacement of old filters? Today we will talk about just that.

Filter classification

According to their ability to retain dust and fine dirt, filters are divided into three types:

  1. The first type is called "absolute filters". They almost completely capture all the soot and dust.
  2. Devices of the second class are able to retain dirt more than 1 micron.
  3. The third class can catch pollution above 10 microns.

Regardless of the manufacturer, the filters are very similar to each other in their structure.

Fuel filters

Fuel filtration components protect the vehicle engine well from harmful particles, which, alas, are often found in low-quality diesel fuel or gasoline, in addition, they assist the pump when pumping gasoline. The special layer in these filters is made of special paper impregnated with acrylic resin.

The fuel filter is replaced with a new one, depending on whether it is inside the tank or is remote.

For internal, the optimal service life is about 100 thousand km, for remote - 50 thousand.

Air filters

Air filters protect the engine of the machine from dust, which makes the working mixture heavier, worsens the dynamic properties of the motor and increases fuel consumption. If you do not change the air filter in time, this will lead to an increase in the load on the filter element. The latter, in turn, can easily break and “splash out” all the dirt and dust accumulated in the engine.

When buying a new air filter, you should pay attention to very important factor: how tightly the element fits to the body, otherwise the filtration level will be only 60-70%, and this is fraught with motor failure.

Let's watch a video about the importance of replacing air filters in a car:

cabin filters

Cabin filters are installed to protect the car interior from unpleasant odors and dust particles. It also has a positive effect on the operation of the air conditioner. Such devices are of two types: based on filter paper and based on activated carbon. The latter, in turn, are divided into filters with finely dispersed coal, which interferes with the passage of air, and with coal particles. big size, which helps the movement of air through the filter, in addition, they completely absorb odors.

The efficiency of such filters is higher, but they are also more expensive than paper-based devices. The disadvantage of carbon filters is that their functioning is noticeably worsened by air humidity.

Oil filters

Oil filters are used to clean the oil in the engine from unwanted dust particles. It is very important to buy high-end oil tools, as poor quality will quickly affect the engine.

Price and terms of filter replacement

Filter prices vary greatly. For example, for a car brand Toyota Corolla for a branded kit you will have to pay about 7,000 rubles. But a duplicate produced by Deko will take only 1,300. The difference in cost is obvious, but he knows that saving on filters is a risk not only to the health of the motor, but also to his own.

Take for example the domestic car VAZ-2110. Prices for filters from different manufacturers also differ, but not significantly.

What does the cost depend on? According to Evgeniy Bykov, Director of AutoFilter LLC, it's not about quality, but about brands. European manufacturers still have to pay for the delivery of goods. That is why you can buy a domestically produced filter much cheaper, without markups for a quality mark. Of course, foreign filters are slightly better than ours, but the cost is five times lower.

Keep track of the condition of the filters in the car and your iron horse will serve its owner faithfully for many years. Good luck and be careful!

The article used an image from the site www.auto-zm.ru

The fuel system is one of the most important parts any modern car. Its uninterrupted operation is ensured fuel filter, which performs one very important function - it cleans the fuel from dirt and impurities harmful to the engine before it enters the system. To do this, modern vehicles are provided with two degrees of purification: coarse, which filters out debris particles that have entered the tank along with the fuel mixture, and fine, which prevents various impurities from entering the engine, which is in diesel or gasoline. As a result of all this, such filters need to be replaced periodically, as they cease to perform their functions over time. How often should the fuel filter be changed? This will be discussed further...


Needless to say, fuel in our country is far from ideal. Yes, and dust, rain, snow, dirt can get into the tank of the car, which is why filters are put in to protect subtle system fuel injection.

Replacement frequency

During operation, the fuel filter is gradually clogged with various particles that are always present in the fuel mixture. As a result, over time, this part will be completely clogged with debris, so it will need to be replaced. How often should the fuel filter be changed?

Such a replacement should be carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the automakers. Each specific vehicle model has its own recommendations, but on average this should be done after every 25 thousand kilometers or at least once every 2 years.



It is clear that such operating conditions of the car, in principle, do not exist. As a result of this, it becomes obvious that the frequency of replacing the fuel filter must be reduced several times, otherwise the vehicle owner will not be able to avoid problems with it.

How to determine the clogging of the cleaning element

If you do not carry out timely replacement of such an element for cleaning the fuel system, you may encounter quite serious problems. But the process of clogging the part does not happen suddenly, everything happens gradually. If you know what are the signs that the filter needs to be replaced, then many problems can be avoided.

The most common signs of clogging are:

  • Unstable operation of the power unit ("sneezing" and the like);
  • Low power level compared to what it was before;
  • Increase in fuel consumption indicators in comparison with the norm. Although a clogged cleaning element does not directly affect this, it is still the initial cause.


It is worth noting that in the initial stages of clogging, such problems do not appear clearly, which is why all the problems basically arise. But experienced drivers are able to replace everything in time and take appropriate measures.

With the most serious blockages, it may not even be possible to start the engine. If the situation is brought to this point, a rather serious and expensive repair may be required.

What will driving with the old filter lead to

When clogged, the filter will lose its ability to perform its main function - to purify the fuel, so the fuel mixture injection nozzles and the entire power system will become clogged, and the required amount of normal fuel will not enter the engine itself.

Fuel that has not been cleaned normally will burn out not evenly, but fragmentarily, and will begin to settle on pistons, cylindrical partitions, and candles. A fuel mixture containing heavy metals and other particles, as a result of ingress into the exhaust system of combustion products through accelerators and a lambda probe, will gradually reduce the life of all these elements.


It cannot be argued that a clogged filter directly affects fuel consumption. However, the increase in fuel consumption, which is observed in this case, will lead to a decrease in power. As a result, for normal use of the vehicle, you will have to press harder on the gas, as a result of which, in fact, you need more gasoline or diesel. Therefore, a clogged filter for the fuel mixture, without directly affecting the consumption of gasoline, leads to an increase in this parameter.

Thus, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the fuel filter and, in case of signs of clogging, immediately replace the spare part, since its further use is guaranteed to lead to serious problems with the operation of the engine, the solution of which requires significant material costs.

It should also be noted that the process of replacing the cleaning element itself is quite simple, if you have the appropriate skills, you can do everything yourself. You can always ask for help from professionals who will do everything quickly and efficiently.

A small helpful video.

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Replacing the fuel filter is a mandatory vehicle maintenance procedure. There is no need to go to the service station, as it is possible to carry it out on your own without the help of an auto mechanic. It is important to note that the first time the filter is changed, it should be done under the supervision of an experienced technician, friend or acquaintance. This is done in order to avoid possible errors.

THAT. Fuel filter replacement

To perform the operation, you should know how the filter is arranged and why it is installed in the car. Already by the name it is easy to guess that it cleans the fuel from various impurities. Fuel rarely meets all technical standards. It is unrealistic to visually see a foreign substance, because gasoline or the same diesel fuel looks like an ordinary clean liquid. In practice, the fuel filter ensures the long-term operation of the engine.

Without a timely replacement, there is a chance to stumble upon the following troubles. In the car, all the fuel goes through the filter, where all kinds of dirt and harmful components are filtered out. Further, the cleaned fuel enters the engine of the car, but after a certain number of kilometers the filter becomes clogged and cannot pass the previous volumes of fuel.

There is another non-critical situation with which you can drive for a while. Only in this case, the pump installed in front of the filter is exposed to excessive wear. If you do not pay attention, then in the future - this can lead to serious damage. In addition, untimely replacement affects the problems of car movement. Characteristic features- weak acceleration, as well as a decrease in the responsiveness of the gas pedal. In this case, the car's system will signal the Check Engine, as a result of which you will have to go to a car repair shop to find out and fix the problem. As a result, a worn part can easily become the cause of a larger breakdown. Therefore, changing the fuel filter in time is the direct responsibility of every car owner.


Dirt in the fuel tank

Time and frequency of replacement

Many novice drivers, as well as experienced professionals, do not always know when to change the fuel filter. Some subconsciously do not remember this procedure, thus trying to save on car maintenance. However, such savings rarely lead to something good, and under the circumstances can cause a serious accident. It should be noted that the following factors affect the frequency of replacing the fuel filter:

  • frequency, intensity of vehicle operation;
  • brand of machine / country of manufacture;
  • direct fuel quality.

The following are averaged values, it is on them that you should be guided when operating the car. For owners of domestic brands (VAZ, IZH, etc.) it is recommended to replace approximately every 20 - 25 thousand kilometers. For foreign cars, the same principle applies. Many car owners recommend changing during an oil change or other vehicle maintenance. Common mistake occurs during an oil or spark plug change, drivers do not pay due attention to the filter.


old and new filter

Stages of work

First and most important rule safety precautions and all relevant requirements will be observed. Violation of which can be dangerous to the life of the car owner.
Safety regulations:

  1. Do not smoke or replace near a source of fire. Any even the smallest spark can cause a strong fire.
  2. Have a working fire extinguisher handy. This will allow you to quickly and efficiently extinguish the fire that has arisen.
  3. After carrying out all work, you must thoroughly wash your hands, remove traces of gasoline from clothing.

Along with the question of when to change the fuel filter, information about required set tools. Here the driver will have enough: a set of wrenches (10, 17, 19).

In the store, for a good filter, as a rule, the price is set at least 600 rubles. And the price range ranges from 300 to 3000 rubles.

Getting Started

The first step is to disconnect the negative terminal on the car battery. Otherwise, there is a high probability of a short circuit and even a fire. Next, using a key for 17 or 19, we clamp the installed filter, unscrew the fitting using "10". This must be done with rubber gloves and goggles. This is a mandatory measure to protect against fuel contact with the skin or eyes.


Fuel filter maintenance

Fuel should be drained exclusively into pre-prepared containers. In the same way, unscrew the fitting located on the other side. Using a wrench, loosen the clamp and remove the filter.

The installation process is the same as dismantling, only everything is done in the reverse order. During installation, it will be useful to replace the fixing clamp, which will positively affect the further operation of the filter. The polarity of the filter must also be observed. There is nothing complicated about this, since the movement of fuel is most often indicated by a large arrow on the part itself. To avoid splashing fuel on you while working, reduce the pressure. This is done by pressing on the ramp valve. It is useful to remove the fuse and let the engine run until it stalls on its own.
After the replacement has been made check how the filter works when the motor is on. If a gasoline leak is detected, it is recommended to replace the rubber rings - gaskets.

That's all you need to know about how to change your fuel filter. In this case, the main thing is to remember the safety rules and their observance. Following all the recommendations, the replacement will be easy and simple. And if you are asked how often the filter needs to be replaced, then you can safely answer: "every 20 - 25 thousand kilometers of the car."

The quality of both gasoline and diesel fuel, which is sold in our country, leaves much to be desired, so the need for information about how often should the fuel filter be changed, occurs among motorists quite often. The high content of impurities and sediments provokes rapid wear of the elements of cleaning equipment, so some people have to buy new spare parts twice a year. Naturally, the frequency of operation and the environmental conditions of the area where the car is used play a role here. It's one thing if we are talking about a taxi in a gassed metropolis, and quite another thing about a family car of residents of a well-maintained cottage village, which is used no more than once a week.

Even in the absence of obvious signs of breakdown, it is necessary to check the performance and change the filter mechanism in time. If you do not take into account, how often should the fuel filter be changed and ignore the first signs of its malfunction, then you can find yourself in a situation where a serious engine breakdown occurs. IN in a certain sense, this device is a buffer between hazardous ingredients and parts power unit. It will be cheaper to install a good filter than to go to an auto repair shop to install new engine or starter charger. And this applies to both domestically produced cars and any foreign cars.

  • inability to start the engine;
  • interruptions in the engine;
  • progressive decrease in power;
  • increase in fuel consumption.

How often do you need to change the fuel filter on diesel and gasoline?

With the exception of the cases described above, it is necessary to focus on the advice that manufacturers give in the technical documentation for the car. If you need to know how often to change the fuel filter on a polo sedan, just open the user manual and find the section you need. As a rule, the automaker indicates an approximate range of mileage (10-40 thousand kilometers) - the best option would be to replace it after 30,000 km. On average, owners of gasoline cars change the cleaning device every 2 years. Please note that additional requirements are imposed on diesel car fuel system filters, namely, they must protect the engine from water penetration.

Article from the category for general development, today we will talk about car filters, namely what they are, and how much do they cost in general? We will also touch on a couple of lines about their routine maintenance - that is, after how much to change? The article will be interesting for beginners who are just buying a car ...


As for the filters in the car, there are not so few, in total you can count 4 main types, namely:

  • Engine air filter
  • Cabin air filter
  • Fuel filter element
  • Oil

Some are probably wondering - why do we need filter elements in a car? YES, everyone is just guys, to put it mildly, our world is not perfect, there is dust and dirt all around, which can even penetrate into fuel and oil. It needs to be filtered out or simply removed, because it can cause damage to structures and reduce their resource. However, first I want to talk about the classification of filter elements.

Classification according to the degree of purification

From a scientific point of view (according to the properties of holding dust or dirt), these elements can be divided into three main types:

  • "Absolute" filters. As it becomes clear, absolutely all dirt, soot, soot, etc. are captured from the name.
  • Approximate to "absolute". Capture dirt as small as 1 µm.
  • The third type, trap dirt from 10 microns.

It should be noted that almost all manufacturers use similar materials, therefore, the quality of the filters is very similar. Often, cheap and expensive brands are made from the same materials, and then there is marketing.

Fuel filters

Fuel is far from ideal, be it petrol or diesel. And in both, fuel oil, dirt, water, etc. can come across. This should not pass into the fuel system of the car, because it can clog the fuel passages, or damage the supply systems, in particular the injector. The filter can be placed in the tank - this is now often used in modern machines, as a rule, it is combined with a pump.


It also happens that it is taken out of bounds, such a design has met before, as instilled they stood in front of a mechanical pump.

Fuel filter elements are made from special papers that are impregnated with compounds resistant to gasoline or diesel (in particular, acrylic resin). Simply put, they shouldn't collapse.

They work for a long time, but they must be changed, because, after a certain mileage, a layer of dirt (or deposits) accumulates in them, which interferes with the fuel supply. Such filters are classified as "absolute", because the dirt can be quite fine.

Oil filter

It is installed, as a rule, on the engine block, on the side or from below. The main task is to clean engine oil from carbon deposits, dirt, chips, dust, etc. That is, the main task here is to clean the lubricant.


It consists of a housing, usually iron, and a filter part - also made of impregnated paper (similar to the gasoline version). Only here, passing ability at the level of 1 micron, if made too “dense”, then with cold oil it will simply break.

It should be noted that this element works under conditions of heavy loads, therefore, bypass valves are provided on it - in winter when low temperatures, it simply does not work until the oil is heated to operating temperature, and dumps grease into this valve. Although variants are now beginning to appear, they are made differently.

Since it works with engine oil, and it is located near hot pistons, it loses its ability after 10 - 15,000 km, so it IS MANDATORY TO CHANGE with every oil change.

Air for engine

These elements work in air intake systems needed to create an air-fuel mixture. If there were no filter, then all the dust and dirt that settles on it penetrated the engine cylinders, and this is sand, dirt, dust, and even water. All this will negatively affect the engine resource, because sand from high temperatures will simply melt and turn into glass, if it settles on the rings or piston walls, then the resource will decrease significantly! The filter, despite its simplicity and device, does not allow this to happen. Its function is difficult to overestimate.


What I want to note is that when replacing, you must definitely check whether it fits snugly to its “nest”, even small cracks are not possible, because unwanted “garbage” can flow through them.

It is also worth noting that - air elements change much more often than, say, fuel ones, preferably with each oil change.

According to the classification, they are in second place, that is, they do not let through particles less than - 1 micron, this is quite enough.

Air for salon

Perhaps this is the most minor filter element for the car as a whole, but the most important filter element for your comfort and health. It is installed in front of the air intake from the street and does not allow dust and dirt to enter the cabin. What a very necessary device, because it does not allow the stove radiator and air conditioner to clog.


What I want to say is that now there are two varieties, it is ordinary and coal. Coal also removes odors (for example, KAMAZ smokes in front), but it has a big minus in wet weather, it does not work well, because the coal component simply swells, preventing the air flow from moving, simply - windows start to sweat much more.

These elements are made according to the third pass class, that is, 10 microns.

In conclusion, I would like to give a couple of tips on replacing each of the subspecies:

  • Fuel - if it is in the tank, it changes every 70 - 80,000 kilometers, it just clogs up.
  • Oil - changes with each oil change, STRONGLY NOT RECOMMENDED to fill in clean oil with a dirty filter. Interval 10 - 15,000 kilometers
  • Air - changes through MOT (maximum after two), that is - 30 - 45,000 kilometers.
  • Salon - I personally would change every MOT, that is, 15,000 kilometers, because you breathe dust.

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