The fuel filter holds an important place in your car’s engine: The fuel filter filters the fuel that the fuel pump pumps. (Got that?) If the fuel filter isn’t doing its job, fuel can’t get to the engine in sufficient enough quantities to give you the performance you expect. Think about a window screen caked with mud and you’ll start to get the picture.

If the fuel filter needs changing, you might start seeing certain symptoms:

• Problems with Starting: Or maybe you car does start, but it takes a few attempts.
• Stalling: You definitely don’t want your car to die at the wrong time. Pay special attention if you stall while idling at a red light or stop sign.
• Excessive Vibration While Driving: If you feel the engine idling roughly or lurching forward, that can be a sign of a clogged fuel filter.
• Rough Slow-Speed Cruising: Highway cruising might be fine, but struggles at slower speeds could mean you need to replace your fuel filter.

Read our expert article to help you diagnose if your car needs a new fuel filter.

How much should you expect to pay to replace a fuel filter? The answer really depends on which car you have. The good news is if you keep going here on KBB.com, we can give you a specific estimate for your car. But if you just want a range, count on paying between $90 and $142, including parts and labor. Of course, any estimate here is just that: an estimate. Make an appointment with your local mechanic or dealership and they can tell you a lot more.

Changing the fuel filter is part of a vehicle’s repair and maintenance schedule. To maintain good day-to-day performance, many car companies recommend changing the fuel filter every 5 years/50,000 miles, but you may want to check it – or have it cleaned – more often based on where you live, your driving habits and so on. Of course, your owner’s manual will give you more specific information.

For many drivers, they’re surprised that their car has a fuel filter in the first place, so it’s no shock that replacing the fuel filter is not top of mind when thinking about maintenance and repairs.

Still, there are a few warning signs for a clogged fuel filter.

• Won’t start
• Stalls frequently, especially at a red light or when you’re idling
• The car lurches, sputter or jerks going uphill
• Sluggish performance, especially if you think you had better acceleration or power in the past.
• Cruddy gas mileage

With a clogged fuel pump, the engine can’t get the fuel it needs – and you’re left with a heap of troubles.

Years ago, cars (and the engines that power them) were simpler than today. In the old days, cars had carburetors and today, just about every vehicle on the road has some sort of fuel injection. This has complicated a lot of repairs around a car’s fuel system, including how to change the fuel filter.

For one thing, it requires specific tools and, if you only change fuel filters infrequently, it might not be worth the money to invest in the tools.

For another, replacing the fuel filter can be rather complicated. It involves:

• Relieving the pressure in the fuel system
• Removing the old filter, which often means jacking up the car or even accessing it from inside the cabin
• Using a pan or bucket to catch residual fuel
• Removing the clips that hold the filter in place (and these are easy to break)
• Installing the new filter, being careful to create a good seal between the fuel lines and the filter.

For most people, it makes sense to consult the experts. Here on KBB.com, we show you what you should expect to paid to replace the fuel filter when you take it to an expert. Then we have a list of local dealers and service centers who are ready to give you an estimate and get the work done.