How Much Does A Petrol Fuel Filter Replacement Cost in the UK?

A petrol fuel filter is a device that helps remove impurities from petrol before it enters the engine. By doing so, it helps improve the engine's performance and fuel economy. It also helps extend the engine's life by protecting it from damage that can be caused by these impurities.

Located between the fuel tank and the fuel injectors, over time, dirt and debris can build up in the fuel filter and cause it to become clogged. When this happens, the engine may run rough or stall and the fuel filter will need to be replaced as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to replace a petrol fuel filter?

The average cost of replacing a petrol fuel filter is £80, with prices ranging from £65 and £90. The exact price of the petrol fuel filter replacement depends largely on your car and the parts recommended by the manufacturer.

Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of a car fuel filter replacement. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of a car fuel filter replacement.

Average cost of a fuel filter replacement by location

To avoid having car owners overpaying and get a fair price for a petrol fuel filter replacement, we use real-time data of thousands of car makes and model data, local labour prices for petrol in line fuel filter repairs and replacements and part prices to provide an instant fair quote. Simply enter your vehicle registration number and postcode to get an instant price for a petrol fuel filter replacement for your car.

Average cost of a fuel filter replacement by manufacturer

Signs your petrol fuel filter needs to be replaced

• Difficulty starting the engine
• Check engine light on
• Rough idling
• Frequent engine misfire
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Jerking/ sputtering at high speeds
  
  

Engine stalling or difficulty starting engine

If the vehicle is having difficulty starting, or the engine is sputtering, it may be a sign that the fuel filter needs to be replaced.

Check Engine Light on

A clogged fuel filter affects the amount of fuel that can flow through the fuel line to the engine. This can cause the engine to run lean, which can trigger the check engine light.

Frequent misfires

The engine can misfire because the clogged fuel filter is not allowing enough fuel to reach the engine.

Reduced fuel efficiency

A clogged fuel filter can reduce fuel efficiency because it can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine. This can cause the engine to run lean, which can lead to reduced fuel economy.

Frequently asked questions about petrol fuel filter replacement cost

How long can you go without replacing a faulty petrol fuel filter?

It is not recommended to drive with a clogged fuel filter. A clogged filter can cause your engine to run less efficiently, and in some cases, even stall which can leave you stranded. It can also cause misfires and if the misfire is severe enough, it can cause damage to the engine. The damage is usually due to the engine running too lean, which can cause pre-ignition and/or engine knocking. This can cause the engine to seize, and in rare cases, the engine can catch fire.

Is a fuel filter replacement an easy fix?

Yes, a fuel filter replacement is a fairly straightforward fix for a professional mechanic. To replace the fuel filter in a car, the mechanic will locate the fuel filter and disconnect the inlet and outlet fuel lines. Then, the clamps holding the fuel filter in place are removed and replaced with the new fuel filter.

Is it worth replacing a clogged fuel filter?

Yes, it is. A fuel filter helps to remove impurities from fuel before it reaches the engine. Over time, the filter can become clogged with debris, which can cause poor engine performance or even engine damage. Replacing a clogged fuel filter with a new one will allow the fuel system to once again flow smoothly at full pressure and without restriction.

How long does a fuel filter change take?

A fuel filter change usually takes around 1 hour, but can take less or more time. Ultimately, the time that the job will take will depend on a number of factors, like your vehicle's make and model, year, as well as other factors. Select your car at the top of this page for information on job time and cost for your vehicle through ClickMechanic.

Can I carry out a fuel filter replacement myself?

A fuel filter change process is the removal of the old filter and replacing with a new one which involves dealing with flammable and potentially high pressure liquids. Most trained mechanics with automotive repair knowledge can carry out this repair with ease.

Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend a fuel filter change is only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price up front.

What else could be the problem if my fuel filter isn’t broken?

If you're experiencing issues with your vehicle that are similar to the symptoms of a clogged fuel filter but have identified that the fuel filter isn't the problem, it could be one or more of the following:

• Fuel pump - malfunctioning fuel pumps cause similar symptoms to a clogged fuel filter, such as poor acceleration, hesitation, and stalling.
• Ignition system - components such as spark plugs or ignition switches that are faulty can lead to misfires or rough idling
• Air filter/ mass airflow sensor - if the air filter is clogged or the MAF sensor is faulty then it can disrupt the air-fuel mixture and affect engine performance
• Fuel injectors - faulty or clogged fuel injectors would cause less fuel to reach the combustion chamber which can cause engine stalling

What happens during a fuel filter change?

• Mechanic will inspect the fuel filter and the fuel supply system.
• If necessary, the mechanic will replace the fuel filter.
• Mechanic will advise if any other parts need to be replaced.
• Mechanic will inspect the fuel supply system again for any leaks and test drive the car.