First let me say I'm not so mechanically inclined, however, this weekend, I changed the spark plugs by myself = EASY. No one should pay a dealer for this.

Fuel Filter - This was truly not a pleasant experience working on my car. This was such a pain, I think I would rather pay a dealer to do it. Being that it was the first time, I could probably do it faster a second time around, but I'm not sure I could do it without scraping my hand up again...It probably took an hour. Even after I Un-tightened the screw clamps, it was very hard to pull the filter loose from the fuel hose. And yes I depressurized the system 3 times...Any tips?

Anyway, would it make sense that I get better gas milage with a fresh fuel filter??

 

Yeah, that fuel filter is a pain with it's "ideal" location - low and next to the firewall. I changed mine at 57k and didn't notice any difference in mpg or power, but others on this forum have experienced better mileage and power.

 

Yeah, the fuel filter effect is very subtle, but it is there. Also, it depends on how dirty your original one was.

DW

 

That's true. I bought my car at 52k and started doing all the maintenance items as it approached 60k. The fuel filter i replaced wasn't the original one (aftermarket brand name). I cut it open and it was pretty clean.