I was troubleshooting my car for an emissions error and in the process I could see the gas filter right next to the emissions cannister, It was heavily rusted so I changed it. Can't recall last changed.

1, Filter near battery so remove or disconnect battery and make sure cables can't touch battery to minimize any potential for sparks.
2. Have the appropriate fire extinguisher nearby.
2. Flood top and bottom part of filter with PB Blaster well ahead of removing since mine was heavily rusted. Spray the bracket bolts also.
3. If you can't remove spray more PB Blaster and wait. You want to avoid striping the top bolt or bottom nut.
3. Use new copper washers since these are crush washers and fill in the gaps for better sealing.

My OEM filter came with two washers, filter, and bracket. $25.00 total ebay.