How do you detect your car’s engine air filter has worn out?

A dirty car engine air filter can negatively affect the performance and the health of your car, so it should not be neglected by you. Nearly every modern car nowadays comes with two air filters: carbon air filter and engine air filter. An engine air filter protects a car’s engine from external pollutants, identified as dust particles and dirt. As there is a tremendous use of the air filter during a car’s running time, therefore, it can become clogged with dirt over time.

When does your car’s engine air filter need to be changed?

A lot of factors decide the answer to this question. The number one factor is the brand or the make of a car. For example, Chevrolet cars need a new air filter after 45,000 miles. On the other hand, Ford and Hyundai cars need engine air filter replacement after 30,000 miles. And to those car owners who run into heavy traffic and bad roads, the car company Hyundai advises replacing filters after 15,000 miles. In general, most car manufacturers recommend that car owners replace the air filters as soon as they can.

How do you detect your car’s engine air filter has worn out?

It’s quite simple to find out whether your car’s engine air filter needs to be replaced or not. You just need to examine the air filter carefully. If the area from where the air enters the filter has blackened in color, it indicates that the air filter must be replaced immediately. And buying an air filter is not a Herculean task, as these days air filters are quite easy to find. However, if for some reason, you are unable to find a decent air filter seller, check your car’s manual and you will get all the information you need.

In case if your air filter has not blackened out yet, and the car has been driven beyond 30,000 miles, you must install a new air filter. You can easily change filters on your own, it’s not that much tricky.

You need to be aware of the fact that repair shop employees mislead car owners to replace air filters, even when there is no such need. Thus, a car owner should be well aware and should know when and how to change air filters. However, those car owners who do not have the time to learn or do not want to learn how to change air filters can take the help of a professional. Car owners must also know that a car can go a year without needing any air filter replacement. So, they should decide accordingly.

In a Nutshell

Your car’s performance can get affected due to a clogged air filter, but know that a car filter won’t affect a car’s fuel economy. A study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that a car’s fuel economy remains unaffected by clogged air filters. However, this study also ascertained that the car’s acceleration rate can go down due to clogged filters. Interestingly, most car owners cannot perceive their car’s decreased acceleration rate, and contrary to the case of fuel economy, they deem it unnecessary to change the air filter for this specific reason. Do not do that, always change your car’s air filter on time to keep it running efficiently.

Time to Visit Your Fraser, MI Auto Repair Shop?

Feel free to stop in and visit Car Guys Auto Center today or give us a call at (586) 285-4444!  We would be happy to answer any auto-related questions you may have.  We are located at :

Car Guys Auto Center
32639 Groesbeck Hwy
Fraser, MI 48026