BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR BAD FUEL FILTER SYMPTOMS

Engine repairs can be costly and could keep your vehicle in the shop for an extended period. Wouldn’t it be great if there was something easy and inexpensive you could do to help protect your engine and keep it running clean? Wait! There is! Pay a little extra attention to the fuel filter.

WHY IS THE FUEL FILTER SO IMPORTANT?

The fuel filter screens debris and keeps it from entering the fuel system.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE DRIVING WITH A CLOGGED FUEL FILTER?

Here are five of the bad fuel filter symptoms to watch for:

1. You have a hard time starting car. If the problem is the fuel filter, and it isn’t changed soon, you may find that your vehicle won’t start at all.

2. Misfire or rough idle. A dirty fuel filter could prevent the engine from getting enough fuel.

3. Vehicle stalling. No one wants to suddenly stop in traffic! But that’s what could happen if you’re driving with a filter that’s passed its prime.

4. Fuel system component failure. electric fuel pumps can fail prematurely trying to push fuel through a dirty fuel filter.

5. Loud noises from the fuel pump. Sudden, unusual noises could be your vehicle’s way of letting you know something is wrong.

DRIVE TOO LONG WITH A CLOGGED FUEL FILTER AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COULD COME ON

Many vehicles have sensors that monitor the fuel system. When the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Check Engine Light comes on, it means the sensors have detected a problem.

These serious problems may have a simple, affordable solution: change the filter. Consistent, timely fuel filter maintenance is important to dependable drivability. A fresh filter reduces contaminants and helps prevent damage to your engine and fuel system.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD THE FUEL FILTER BE CHANGED?

It’s often recommended that the filter should be changed every 2 years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first), but that’s a general suggestion. If you drive a great deal on unpaved roads, or through highway construction which can kick up a lot of dust and debris you may want to change your fuel filter more often. You should consult your vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended interval for your specific vehicle.

Don’t skip a scheduled maintenance check, but don’t hesitate to have a professional look at your vehicle between appointments if you experience any of the five bad fuel filter symptoms listed, either. Visit one of the 2,000 Jiffy Lube locations all across North America and a trained Jiffy Lube technician will:

• Ask about your driving style to determine the impact it may have on your vehicle’s fuel system

• Describe the bad fuel filter symptoms and ask which you may be experiencing

• Remove the used fuel filter

• Replace the used fuel filter with a new filter that meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s recommendation

DON'T NEGLECT YOUR VEHICLE'S OTHER FILTERS

The fuel filter isn’t the only filter that works hard to ensure top vehicle performance. When you visit Jiffy Lube, the technician will also visually inspect the:

• Engine air filter. Just as the fuel filter helps captures debris that’s in the fuel, the engine air filter protects the engine from airborne contaminants.

• Transmission filter. Your automatic transmission relies on the filter to prevent dirt and debris from getting into the hydraulic system.

• Cabin air filter. The cabin is where you and your passengers sit, and the cabin air filter helps remove dust, pollen and mold so you all can breathe easier.

The Jiffy Lube technician will let you know if a replacement of any kind is recommended, but won’t do any work without your consent.

YOU CAN COUNT ON JIFFY LUBE

Regular, professional preventive maintenance will help keep your vehicle operating as engineered. Jiffy Lube technicians are rigorously trained and use quality products. This is good for you, because your car, truck, minivan or SUV is more likely to be ready to go and keep going when you need it most. It’s also good for your budget, because if caught early, small fixes — like changing your fuel filter — won't turn into expensive repairs.

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