What is a common symptom of a clogged fuel filter?

A common symptom of a clogged fuel filter is engine hesitation or difficulty starting. This occurs because the fuel filter’s primary role is to trap dirt, rust, and other debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts fuel flow to the engine. As a result, the engine may not receive an adequate amount of fuel, leading to hesitation during acceleration or rough starts, particularly when the vehicle is cold or under load.

In contrast, while engine misfires can occur due to various issues, including fuel delivery problems, they are not as directly indicative of a clogged filter as hesitation is. Excessive exhaust smoke typically relates to combustion issues or problems with fuel-air mixture rather than the fuel delivery system alone. Increased fuel consumption over time is often a result of problems in the overall fuel system or engine tuning rather than immediately linked to a clogged fuel filter.