Search results
Learn how to replace your fuel filter with AutoZone. Discover why you need replace your fuel filter, and the tools you need to get the job done right.
Just enter your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine up above, and we’ll find the right part for you. Get to work on changing your parts fast with free shipping or buy your filter online and pick it up in-store today.
Oct 5, 2020 · Determining the correct fuel filter for your application can be made easier with some guidance and a little explanation. Follow along as we explain the ins and outs of choosing the best filter for your fuel system.
- Benefits of Fuel Filters
- Types of Fuel Filters
- Top Brands
- Fuel Filter Pricing
- Key Features
- Other Considerations
- Tips
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
Better performance. A new, clean fuel filter obviously does its job better than an old, clogged one. After the fuel filter cleans fuel by filtering out debris, the fuel burns more completely so you...Adds longevity.An engine running on clean fuel simply operates better because it does not have to contend with debris that may clog parts like fuel injectors. An engine that operates as it should i...Saves money. When your engine is operating optimally, it needs fewer repairs and part replacements. This keeps money in your pocket. You also get the added benefits of less stress and more peace of...Throw-Away
Most replaceable fuel filters are the throw-away type where you replace the entire paper filter element and the housing or canister that encloses it. These are available for both gasoline and diesel engines and are popular because they are easy and fast to install; you simply disconnect the old filter and install the new one.
Element-Only
Some specialty fuel filters can be reused. In this case, you remove the paper element from the housing, clean it with solvent, and re-install it into the housing.
Built-In
Many new cars, SUVs, and trucks with internal combustion engines have fuel filters built into the gas tank. These filters are meant to last the lifespan of the vehicle, and normally you don’t have to replace them. If in the rare case the in-tank filter requires replacement, it is best not to attempt it yourself, but rather have a professional that has the tools and expertise to do the job.
Motorcraft
The Ford Motor Company originally debuted Motorcraft in the 1950s but discontinued it when Ford went with Autolite as the name for its parts division. Motorcraft again appeared in 1972 and replaced Autolite as the official brand for Ford parts. The division supplies OEM and replacement parts for Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln vehicles but also for other automakers. Check out the MotorCRAFT FD4624/FD4625 and Motorcraft FD4617fuel filters.
ACDelco
The beginnings of ACDelco go back to 1916 when William C. Durant founded the United Motors Company, not to be confused with General Motors, which Durant also founded but in 1908. United Motors Company, one of the forerunners of ACDelco, made various parts for GM cars. In 1960, the name was changed to a well-known moniker in the auto industry, Delco, and the company became known as United Delco. It merged with GM’s AC Spark Plug to become AC-Delco in 1974 and became ACDelco (no hyphen) in 1995...
Baldwin
In 1936, J.A. Baldwin engineered a lube filter that trumped current designs and began producing it in a facility in Wisconsin. In 1981, the J.L. Clark Manufacturing Company bought Baldwin Filters, and soon the company opened additional facilities in Mexico, Europe, Australia, South Africa, China, and Morocco. Baldwin Filters bought Hastings Premium Filters in 1995 and has expanded its Nebraska research, testing, and manufacturing facilities to almost one million square feet. Try the Baldwin B...
$16 to $27:This price range features fuel filters for diesel pickup truck engines. Some are the spin-on oil type, but most are element-only type filters (gaskets included). Both types do the job at...$28 to $45:These filter kits include the element, housing, and seals. They are mostly the spin-on type with some in-line filters. Use them on diesel pickup truck engines.$46 to $87: This price range includes water separator-type filters, cartridge filters, spin-ons, and in-line versions. The cartridge filters are for European cars, while the other types are for Ame...Fit
Obviously you want the filter you choose to be the correct one for your SUV or truck. It’s rare that fuel filter replacement is a consideration for passenger cars because most passenger cars have permanent filters located in the gas tank that last the lifetime of the vehicle. Check the specifications for your vehicle for a part number and/or engine size, and match the year, make, and model so you can determine the correct filter before you buy.
Type of Engine
Many gas-powered cars and trucks do not need replacement fuel filters. But a gas-powered truck may require periodic replacement, as do diesel-powered SUVs and trucks. Diesel fuel contains more contaminants than gasoline, so replacing the fuel filter is therefore a maintenance item.
Ease of Replacement
Before you buy a fuel filter, check to make sure you can access the one in your vehicle. If it is difficult to access, you may want a professional to replace the component. Along with the location, determine if replacing the fuel filter is within your mechanical ability. If it is not something you understand or is something you’d prefer not to do, have a professional replace the filter instead.
Quality and Value:Read the reviews and the FAQs about the fuel filter you would like to buy. There you will find information about the quality of your choice of filter. Other important information...Safety: When replacing a fuel filter, you inevitably spill some gasoline or diesel fuel. Wear protective rubber gloves and safety glasses, and use a container to catch the spill. You cannot reuse t...Microns:This is a measurement of the size of particles filtered out by a fuel filter. Most diesel and gas fuel filters are rated at 10 microns, which is sufficient to filter out most of the debris...If you cannot locate the fuel filter, it may be inside your vehicle’s gas tank. While this makes it almost impossible for you to replace the filter yourself, most in-tank filters are made to last t...Working with the fuel system and around gasoline can be hazardous. Always wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses for eye protection. Work in a well-ventilated area, since some...Research the size and type of the fuel filter required on your vehicle before you order one. Ordering the correct filter the first time saves time, money, and aggravation.Q: How do I know if I need to replace my fuel filter?
A:You may experience a rough-running engine, loss of power in all gears, and/or difficulty starting. You may also experience lower gas mileage, stalling, and engine misfiring.
Q: Can I replace a fuel filter myself?
A:It depends on where the filter is located, whether you have the proper tools, and whether you want to spend the time and energy to do it yourself. If the fuel filter is located inside the fuel tank, a DIY replacement is almost impossible. Other filters, such as those in pick-up trucks, are relatively easy for home mechanics to access, so it’s more likely you can install a new one yourself. The basic tools you need are relatively common—like screwdrivers and pliers—but specialty tools called...
Q: Is it a good idea to change a fuel filter often?
A:It depends. Some diesel truck owners change the fuel filter every time they change the oil because diesel fuel can be dirty. Check with a knowledgeable mechanic or your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Our choice for best fuel filter is the Motorcraft FD-4615 Fuel Filter, and our best value choice is the ACDelco TP3018 Professional Fuel Filter. Both improve mileage and performance.
12-month / 12k-mile warranty. Free 50 point safety inspection. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM. How much does Fuel Filter Replacement cost? It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to.
- (611)
May 5, 2023 · 1. Editor's Pick: ACDelco Professional Fuel Filter. When it comes to how your vehicle works, the people who know it best are the engineers who designed it. That's why, when it comes to filters,...
People also ask
How much does a fuel filter cost?
Where can I get a new fuel filter?
What does a fuel filter do?
What is the best fuel filter?
Fuel filter clogged? Not sure? It may be time for service. Get a free detailed estimate for a fuel filter replacement in your area from KBB.com.
