The RAC in the UK is warning motorists and garages about the importance of changing diesel fuel filters as a mystery fuel system problems causes a spate of breakdowns across the UK.

The motoring organisation says thousands of diesel car drivers could be faced with issues caused by the variable quality of diesel fuel which stems from diesel fuel filters becoming blocked by the formation of a gel-like substance in the diesel. This can starve the engine of fuel resulting in the engine losing power or starting failure. It will also activate an engine warning light. One theory is that the problem could be a result of biofuel content in the diesel now required by EU law.

The RAC says its patrols attended some 600 incidents of this kind in November and are worried that the problem will get worse over the winter months. RAC Technical Director David Bizley commented, “Having diesel fuel filters changed at the right service intervals is clearly important because a failure to do so can lead to starving the engine of fuel.” However, he also points out that the high number of incidents means that lack of fuel filter changes are only part of the problem. He adds, “The industry is working extremely hard to find a solution but it’s clear that we still don’t fully understand all of the underlying cause.”