What is a common cause of fuel system failures?

Dirty or clogged filters are a significant cause of fuel system failures because they impede the proper flow of fuel to the engine. When fuel filters are not maintained or are allowed to become excessively dirty, they can restrict the fuel supply, leading to various performance issues such as decreased engine power, rough idling, or stalling. Additionally, if dirt, debris, or contaminants accumulate in the fuel filters, they can eventually lead to complete blockage, which can further damage fuel pumps or injectors.

While low fuel levels can lead to similar problems such as fuel starvation, they do not inherently affect the fuel system's functionality unless the tank is nearly empty. Excessive fuel pressure can lead to fuel leaks or injector problems, and engine overheating can be attributed to various issues outside the fuel system. Thus, clogged filters represent a more direct and frequent issue within the fuel system itself that can lead to failure if not addressed properly.