Replacing the fuel filter each winter is vital for diesel engine protection and performance. Karl Ridings, general manager UK at UFI Filters, reveals why.
If there’s a season when no-one wants car trouble, it’s winter. Drivers rely on a first-time start. They expect reliable engine performance on wet or icy roads. They certainly can’t afford increased fuel consumption, or the cost and downtime of a breakdown. Step in the fuel filter – one of the most important parts that repairers should replace each year, to protect their diesel customers’ interests.
So why is a well-maintained fuel filter so central to diesel engines? Put simply, it creates a barrier against impurities and water residues in fuel that could irreparably damage the injectors, leading to expensive repairs.
How often the diesel filter needs to be changed varies, depending on the vehicle and driving conditions. Usually, passenger car fuel filters should be serviced every 9,000 to 18,000 miles, or at least once a year.
High water separation
But regular replacement alone is not enough. Selecting a diesel filter with a high water separation capacity, such as those made by UFI Filters, is equally essential – especially in winter. Karl Ridings explains: “Water residue in fuel can freeze, damaging the engine’s injection system. The materials used in high quality UFI Filters eliminate this risk. In FormulaUFI.Extreme fuel filters, for example, polymer fibres give superior performance. FormulaUFI.H2O filters contain cellulose coupled with synthetic fibres or glass. For optimum efficiency, the FormulaUFI.Stratiflex range often combines layered materials with hydrophobic barriers.”
The UFI Filters Group has also pioneered high water separation filters with deep filtration media (DFM). These use the ‘coalescence principle’ to separate even the smallest water particles, up to 4 microns, from diesel fuel – ensuring a smooth-running engine at low temperatures. “Crucially, our DFM fuel filters are also compatible with new-generation biodiesel, this is vital because in biodiesel of vegetable origin, the higher percentage of water and bacteria can cause residues and gelatinous sludge to form, creating blockages.”
Ridings also sheds fresh light on the European standard EN 590, which limits the presence of water in diesel to a maximum of 200ppm. “Sometimes even more, even smaller, water particles need to be separated out, filters from an OE manufacturer, such as UFI, will consistently remove water efficiently and may exceed the regulations.”
Technology has also enabled extra functions to be integrated into some fuel filters. Many OE examples from UFI Filters are fitted with electronic temperature and water sensors, and an electric heater to aid cold starts.
“In the aftermarket you can encounter sub-standard, often counterfeit filters with unsuitable filter media. They simply don’t adequately separate water from diesel fuel. No customer will thank you for fitting parts that can damage their injection system! Far better to choose UFI Filters systems featuring OE know-how and outstanding, ‘bad fuel’ and biodiesel-resistant materials that really work… especially in winter.” Karl concludes.
Why replace in winter?
- Protection: Diesel is especially prone to the formation of paraffins that can prematurely clog the filter. Regular replacement helps the fuel flow smoothly, even in cold temperatures.
- Better engine efficiency: A clean diesel filter supports engine efficiency. If the filter is clogged, the engine must work harder to maintain fuel flow, reducing performance and increasing fuel consumption.
- Reduced costs: Replacement can avoid costly engine repairs. A dirty or clogged diesel filter can lead to long-term damage.
- Longer engine life: Engines last longer with a well-maintained diesel filter. Dirty or malfunctioning filters may cause internal engine damage.
Signs of clogging
- Reduced vehicle performance such as loss of power
- Starting difficulties as the engine struggles to receive fuel; engine may also shut down in idling mode
- Engine warning light may come on if fuel flow to the engine is poor, stopping the vehicle Increased fuel consumption as the engine seeks more fuel to run properly
