How to Change Your Petrol Fuel Filter

Your car’s fuel filter stops dirt and other impurities in your fuel tank from making their way into your engine whilst still allowing the fuel to flow.

Particularly in modern fuel-injection cars, even the smallest contaminates can clog up your fuel system, so this filter does an important job.

What does a fuel filter do?

Your car’s fuel filter stops dirt and other impurities in your fuel tank from making their way into your engine whilst still allowing the fuel to flow.

Particularly in modern fuel-injection cars, even the smallest contaminates can clog up your fuel system, so this filter does an important job.

How often to change fuel filter?

On many modern cars, the fuel filter is mounted into the tank with the fuel pump and may not need to be replaced. Your owner’s manual will advise whether you need to change your fuel filter, and when it’s recommended to do so if you do.

For filters that can be replaced, it’s recommended to replace it on average every two years or 30,000 miles.

How to check fuel filter?

You should always replace your fuel filter in accordance with the manufacturer recommended intervals. You should also look to get a new filter if and when it starts causing an issue. There are a few signs that your fuel filter needs replacing:

  • The engine misfires or stalls
  • The engine is difficult to start
  • The car struggles at low speeds or up hills
  • You have an engine fault light on the dashboard
  • You must also change your fuel filter if you put the wrong fuel in your tank.

How much is a fuel filter?

The cost of a replacement fuel filter will change depending on your vehicle make and model, but it isn’t a hugely expensive part.

Enter your registration number into our car parts tool to find the right parts to fit your car.

Step-by-step guide to changing your fuel filter

Please note: this process will vary vehicle by vehicle. This is a generic process, but you should consult your owner’s manual for exact instructions for your make and model.

You’ll be working in and around fuel – be cautious at all times as it can be very dangerous.

Step 1: De-pressurise the fuel system

Before you begin, you’ll need to relieve the pressure in the fuel lines to work safely.

  • Locate the car fuse box – Use your owner’s manual to find which fuse box contains the fuel pump fuse or relay.
  • Remove the fuel pump fuse or relay – The fuse box should have a diagram identifying each fuse and relay. Remove the fuel pump fuse or relay by hand, or with tweezers if easier.
  • Make sure the car is in park or neutral with the handbrake on – Leftover fuel in the lines could enable the car to move, so leave it in neutral with the brakes on.
  • Start the engine – Leave the car to run for a few minutes, then switch it off to depressurise the fuel lines.

Step 2: Locate the fuel filter

Your filter will either be under the bonnet or under the vehicle, and likely behind an inspection cover.

In some cases, a wheel may need to be removed to gain access. Follow your owner’s manual for wheel removal.

Step 3: Remove the filter cover and old filter

Release the fastener to pull away the filter cover. At this point, clean around the filter and fuel lines to remove any dirt build-up.

Place some newspaper around the floor and a bucket or container beneath the filter to catch any spillages.

Gently twist and remove the filter, allowing the fuel to drain out.

Step 4: Fit the new filter

Clean in and around the filter head, then screw the new filter into place, or attach any fuel pipe connections as required.

Replace the cover and fasteners – be careful not to damage them.

Step 5: Clear down

Now you can clear up and lower the car if you jacked it up.

Step 6: Finish off

Replace the fuel pump fuse or relay.

Start the car and check for any leaks.

Disposing of old fuel filters

Once your filter change is complete, you should consider the best ways to dispose of your old filter. You should not dispose of old fuel filters in standard waste bins, since it’s classed as hazardous waste.

Rules vary by area, so you should check with your local authority on the proper process for disposing of your waste.