Fuel filters have an indirect effect on gas mileage, but can contribute to inefficient fuel consumption. Proper automotive maintenance, including replacement of the fuel filter, may improve overall performance and fuel efficiency.
Located in the fuel line, a fuel filter works to remove impurities in gasoline as it flows through the filter. Once the gasoline has passed through the filter, it travels to fuel injectors that feed the gasoline to the engine.
As a fuel filter ages, it tends to not work as effectively as it did when it was new, and impurities may begin to pass through. Unfiltered contaminants travel to the fuel injectors and eventually clog them. Clogged fuel injectors limit the amount of gasoline that can be fed to the engine, thereby making the engine work harder and decreasing fuel efficiency.
Generally, a fuel filter should be changed once per year or every 12,000 miles to maintain optimal performance. Consult the owner's manual or manufacturer's maintenance guide for specific information regarding how and when to replace the fuel filter on your model.
