You love your car, and you take pride in keeping it well-maintained. You regularly check the engine oil, top off fluids, and get regular tune-ups. But have you checked your engine air filter lately? You missed it! It’s okay; you’re not alone!
Most car owners don’t know when to replace their engine air filter, and some don’t even know what it is. Let’s understand this engine component and why it’s essential to keep it clean.
Your Car’s Air Filters:
There are two air filters in a car: engine air filter and cabin air filter.
An engine air filter is a black plastic box in the engine compartment with a paper filter inside. The engine air filter’s job is to clean the air that goes into the engine.
The cabin air filter is placed behind the glove compartment and controls the air that enters the cabin.
Your air filters are vital for two reasons:
- The engine air filter keeps your engine clean from the contaminants that are present in the environmental air. Over time, the engine filter gets clogged with dust, reducing the engine’s power and efficiency.
- A cabin air filter protects your cabin from pollutants. The cabin air filter detoxifies the air that enters your car’s cabin. It is imperative for people with allergies or asthma who are sensitive to airborne particles.
When Should You Change Your Auto Air Filter?
There’s no certain answer here because it depends on several factors, such as the model of your car, the type of air filter you have, the air quality of the region you are located in, and how often you drive in dusty or dirty conditions.
Most mechanics recommend replacing your engine air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
How to Detect a Dirty Air Filter?
If your engine air filter is dirty, the following symptoms will be prevalent:
- Reduced engine power
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- The engine is running hotter than usual
- Black sooty deposits on the tailpipe
You can visually inspect your engine air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If it’s clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, it’s time for a new one! A car mechanic can also help you determine if your engine air filter needs to be replaced.
Benefits of a Clean Auto Air Filter
There are a few compelling benefits of having a clean engine air filter, including:
- Improved Engine Performance: A clean engine air filter allows your engine to breathe more easily, improving engine performance. You’ll feel your car accelerate more smoothly and have improved fuel efficiency.
- Better Fuel Economy: We all hate paying for gas, so anything we can do to improve our fuel economy is a major plus! A clean engine air filter increases engine efficiency, leading to better fuel economy.
- Protection for Your Engine: An engine air filter helps protect your engine by trapping harmful contaminants before they can enter. It can extend an engine’s life and prevent expensive repairs down the road. You’ll also retain the resale value of your vehicle if you ever decide to sell.
- Improved Air Quality in Your Cabin: You and your passengers spend much time in your vehicle, so it’s crucial to have good air quality. A cabin air filter helps remove pollen, dust, and other airborne contaminants from the air inside your car.
Conclusion:
A clean air filter not only helps improve your car’s performance and gas mileage, but it can also help keep you and your passengers healthy this summer. If you haven’t had your car serviced recently, schedule a visit to Mike Patton Auto Group, serving La Grange, GA, for a tune-up that includes a new air filter.
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