Fuel Filter in Watsonville, CA The fuel filter keeps contaminants like dirt, water, and rust out of your vehicle's engine. Some fuel filters are located inside the tank while others are fitted into the fuel line between the tank and the fuel pump. Check your owners manual for specific service intervals, but if your vehicle loses power, misfires or stalls, you might need a replacement. An inexpensive fuel filter is one of the key components in protecting the engine from hazardous foreign particles, and it’s important to replace when necessary to avoid expensive repairs because if the filter gets clogged, you may risk damaging your fuel pump and your fuel injectors. From a safety standpoint, there is a slight safety risk, because a clogged fuel filter might cause you to stall unexpectedly. From an environmental point of view, replacing your fuel filter will increase your engine’s performance and help it run cleaner.