Basically, a clogged fuel filter can actually harm a Fuel Pump by severe restriction in the flow of fuel, hence making the pump work extra to deliver fuel to the engine. Fuel pumps are built to operate under certain parameters-such as maintaining pressures between 30 and 80 psi, depending on the requirements of the vehicle. The fuel flow will be reduced as the filter gets clogged up with debris and contaminants, which results in an overheating of the pump that will wear down quicker than expected. In extreme cases, this can result in the failure of an otherwise durable Fuel Pump far quicker than normal, up to a loss of 50% of its expected service life.
Fuel filter prevents such impurities as dirt and rust particles from going to the engine. This continues to clog over a period of time, especially with frequent intake of lower-grade or ethanol-blended fuel. In cases where it reaches a clogged point, the restricted flow overcompensates with the Fuel Pump, having to use more energy for a certain traveled distance and thereby reducing fuel economy. A good example is how cars with clogged filters can only achieve a fuel economy of up to 15% due to the overworking the pump is trying to undertake in order to meet the engine’s demands.
Clogged filters have, on occasion, been known to cause major mechanical failure. In 2020, there was a mass fuel contamination problem in the U.K. that caused the Fuel Pump in thousands of cars to need replacement due to clogged filters and pump burnout. Drivers had to pay between $500 to $1,000 in repairs, depending on how bad the damage was.
It is very important to replace the fuel filter on a periodic basis to avoid any kind of damage to the Fuel Pump. Most of the manufacturers do the replacement between 30,000 to 50,000 miles; however, it depends on the car model and driving conditions. Replacement cost: Between $50 and $100, a small amount to be paid in order to avoid the replacement cost of the whole Fuel Pump.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Regular maintenance of the fuel filter will keep the Fuel Pump working effectively and prolong its lifespan, maintaining the performance of your vehicle.
For more on how to keep your Fuel Pump in great working order, see Fuel Pump.