Cart 

What Is A Fuel Filter?

Understanding the function of a fuel filter as part of the fuel system.

auto maintenance 01-09-18 Share:

When Northern Virginian drivers fill-up at the gas station, they may not think about the inner workings of the fuel system and associated automobile maintenance. The trained technicians at Wiygul Automotive Clinic know the ins and outs of vehicles and we are here to help you understand how this critical system works.

The fuel system stores gasoline or diesel in the tank and then draws on this through fuel lines and delivers it through a fuel filter to either a carburetor or fuel injector. Fuel is then supplied to the cylinder chamber where it is mixed with air, vaporized, and burned to produce energy.

A fuel filter is a critical part of this system as it protects your engine from harmful debris. The fuel filter screens dirt and rust particles from the fuel, keeping them from entering the engine and causing damage. If debris enters the engine - even tiny rust particles - it causes unnecessary wear and tear on the engine components and wreaks havoc on the overall system.

Fuel filters are even more essential in today's vehicles, as the modern design includes tight-tolerance fuel systems, especially when compared to engines from even 10 years ago. Unfiltered fuel can contain vast quantities of contamination like paint chips, dirt and rust. These contaminants must be removed to prevent accelerated wear and ultimate failure of the fuel pump and injectors. The abrasive nature of the particles on the high-precision components of the fuel injection systems cause extreme damage and will eventually lead to an unnecessary expense.

For optimal performance, the fuel filter in your car, truck or SUV should be replaced at regular intervals, as recommended by your auto manufacturer. Following the recommended maintenance schedule provided by the auto manufacturer helps assure the longevity of your vehicle you want.

When you have questions, concerns or mechanical needs, stop in and consult with the automotive repair experts at Wiygul Automotive Clinic in Burke, VA. We provide quality service and parts, completed by reliable technicians you can trust. Whether you simply need an oil filter and lube change, suspension work or a fuel filter replacement, our team will have you back on the road quickly and safely.

Similar Articles

06-06-2024 Is your car staying cool enough? link
auto maintenance
Is your car staying cool enough?
Read More
12-08-2021 Auto Maintenance Shop Clinton, MD | Wiygul Automotive Clinic link
auto maintenance
Auto Maintenance Shop Clinton, MD | Wiygul Automotive Clinic
Read More
05-14-2021 ASE Certified Mechanic Herndon, VA | Car Care Tips | Wiygul Automotive Clinic link
auto maintenance
ASE Certified Mechanic Herndon, VA | Car Care Tips | Wiygul Automotive Clinic
Read More

9 convenient locations

6001 Lane Drive
Alexandria, Virginia 22304

703.740.3405

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
9205 Livingston Road
Fort Washington, Maryland 20744

301.936.1520

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
137 Saint Patricks Drive
Waldorf, Maryland 20603

301.936.1680

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
630 Grant Street
Herndon, Virginia 20170

703.783.6510

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
5665 Burke Centre Parkway
Burke, Virginia 22015

703.740.3035

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
164 Broadview Ave.
Warrenton, Virginia 20186

(571) 901-1867

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
8007 Malcolm Road
Clinton, Maryland 20735

301.720.8520

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
11728 Sunset Hills Road
Reston, Virginia 20190

703.783.6390

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed
310 S. Pickett Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22304

703.829.1007

Mon-Fri: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sun: Closed

Stay in the know

Our Customers Love Us:

Wiygul Awards
Wiygul Arwards
Let Our Family
Take Care of Your Family

When you bring your family’s car to Wiygul Automotive Clinic, we take your trust in us seriously. We take the time to get to know you and your vehicle. In addition, we will send you service reminders and maintain service records that help keep your car’s factory warranty valid - which means you don’t have to go to the dealer for service.

We want to take the stress out of getting your vehicle serviced. We’ll never talk down to you or pressure you, but we will be completely thorough honest about what your car does need - specifically noting anything that could be a safety issue.

You can rely on our promise of honesty and competence when we service your vehicle. Our customers know that they will get a fair price for services provided.

Wiygul Family

DEALS, TIPS, EVENT DETAILS, AND MORE.

Get exclusive access to them all when you sign up for our newsletter.

Ezytire Toolbox