There are at least 5 benefits of changing your air filter regularly; better gas mileage, reduced emissions, improved acceleration, increased engine life and overall improved driveability. For each gallon of fuel burned, the engine uses up to 10,000 gallons of air; thus why it is easy to understand how vital a clean air filter is to the proper operation of a car.
1. Increased fuel efficiency:
One of the biggest reasons to change your air filter regularly. Some studies indicate that replacing a dirty air filter increases fuel mileage on older, carburated cars by as much as 14 percent if the filter is so dirty it affects driveability. In addition, changing a clogged air filter can potentially increase acceleration by 6 to 11 percent on modern fuel-injected cars. Other studies claim a 10 percent increase in gas mileage and up to 15¢ per gallon fuel savings. Regardless of the exact figures, it is obvious that a clean air filter improves air flow to the engine and increases engine performance and gas mileage.
2. Reduced emissions:
Clogged air filters can reduce air flow to the engine, literally choking it, and as a result affect the emission control systems of the car causing an incorrect air-fuel mixture and spark plug ignition problems which can lead to serious driveability issues. Spark plugs can become fouled which often times result in an engine miss or rough idle, while also greatly affecting fuel mileage. It can also increase engine deposits caused by having too rich of a fuel mixture and may cause the "Service Engine Soon" light to illuminate. Increased air flow to the engine allows it operate properly reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions.
3. Prolongs engine life:
Changing the air filter regularly helps prolong engine life because the air filter is designed to trap damaging dirt and debris that can damage internal engine parts such as the cylinders and pistons. Engine damage can occur from particles as small as a grain of salt and result in costly repairs.
4. Inexpensive and quick fix:
An air filter is one of the least expensive maintenance components to replace and can be done by doing it yourself. It is important to make certain the replacement air filter is designed for your exact make and model of car. On newer, fuel-injected cars, the air filter is usually located near the top front or side of the engine by the throttle body. The air filter is rectangular in shape and enclosed in a rectangular, black plastic housing that will normally have clips or screws keeping it closed. On older, carburated cars, the air filter is round and located in a round metal housing above the carburator that is secured by a wing nut.
5. Easy to track
Air filters should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or so, more often in dusty driving conditions. The owner's manual maintenance schedule will indicate how often the air filter should be replaced. A dirty air filter might appear clean but should still be replaced at the recommended intervals.
A new air filter will increase gas mileage, reduce emissions, allow optimal air flow and improve engine performance. In addition, changing your air filter regularly will protect the engine and vital internal engine parts from excess wear and damage that result in driveability issues and potentially expensive engine repairs.
The car cabin air filter in your vehicle's ventilation system is used to filter dust, allergens, mold, particulates and sometimes even odors from the air entering your car's passenger compartment. The cabin air filter is used whether or not you use the air conditioner or heater in your car, as there is always air flowing into and out of the passenger compartment. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. You can check the condition of the air filter by removing it and tapping it lightly. If dust falls out, you should change it.When You Replace the Air Conditioner Filter, Do You Need to Replace the Cabin Filter too?
There is no need to replace an air conditioner filter in your car if you've already replaced the cabin air filter. The reason for this is because these are two names for the same air filter. Other names that car air conditioner filters are known by are micron air filters, cabin air purifiers, passenger compartment air filtration systems and cabin air dust filters. These filters should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 thousand miles. They are usually located either under the dashboard on the passenger side, or right up against the cowl, under the hood, on the passenger side.
Posted on Jun 18th 2018
When was the last time you changed the air filter in your vehicle? Have you ever changed it? Did you know you should?
If it's been a while, you should definitely consider installing a new air filter as soon as possible. Why? Because air filters keep your car running.
Though it's only one small component among the many that make your car run, the air filter plays a big role in how your car runs. And how long it runs.
So what's the big deal? What makes the air filter so important? Keep reading to learn the many benefits of having a clean engine air filter in your car.
Think of all the gunk that hangs out on the front of your car. Whether it ends up staying or not, your car gets hit with bugs, leaves, debris, water, salt, mud, and countless other things.
You definitely don't want this stuff getting into your engine. Though some of those things are tiny they can cause big problems.
Auto air filters stop all that gunk from getting to your engine. Becuase of this, your filter can become blocked, restricting air flow. Changing your filter often to keep it clean allows your car to get the air it needs.
Airflow is hugely important to your vehicle, and the quality of that flow depends on your air filter.
Your engine needs to breathe. In other words, it needs air to function properly. Air allows your engine to perform the combustion process.
If you allow your air filter to get too dirty, the engine's performance will go down. The engine may stop running entirely if you let it get bad enough.
Air filters are small and not usually at the forefront of our minds when it comes to thinking about our cars. But they play a big role.
Luckily, air filters are inexpensive and simple. If you can, go for a higher end filter. This will last longer and perform better. This will save you even more money.
Filters are easy to change, too. Don't let their size and simplicity fool you. Those elements are just added benefits to the important role they play in your car.
Believe it or not, auto air filters play a role in how efficiently your vehicle uses the gasoline you put into it. In order for your car to use gasoline efficiently, it also needs air.
If your car doesn't get enough air, your car will consume more fuel than it otherwise would. Keeping a clean air filter will allow air to mix with fuel properly. This will help your car go farther on a tank of gas than it would with a dirty filter.
Air filters need to be changed, but only when needed. If you drive a lot, you'll need to change filters more often. But if you don't drive all that much, a filter will last you a good long while.
Not driving much doesn't mean you never need to change the filter, though. Filters may still look clean when they are dirty, depending on the substance caught in them, so be wary.
Consult your owner's manual for proper care for your particular vehicle. The manual will let you know recommended intervals for changing out your filter. It will also tell you what size you need for your vehicle.
A clean filter allows air flow to help with the emissions system in your vehicle. A clogged filter will hamper that system, preventing it from doing its job.
When your emissions system doesn't work properly, you risk dirtying spark plugs and increasing engine deposits. This happens because of an air-fuel mixture that has too high a concentration of fuel.
This can also make your "service engine" light come on.
Keeping proper air flow in your car reduces emissions, so make sure you keep that filter clean!
As was mentioned before, tons of dirt, debris, and other junk fly at your car on a regular basis, which isn't great for your engine. It's bad for it, actually.
Your filter traps that gunk, therefore allowing your engine to function properly. If that stuff is allowed into your engine, it results in damage to the internal engine parts.
Something as small as a grain of salt or piece of dirt can cause big problems in your engine, resulting in big costs and decreased engine life.
Change or clean your car's air filter regularly to increase the life of your engine.
Though small, your engine air filter is a vital component in the operating system of your car. Though it may seem simple, it plays an important part in keeping your car going.
Proper maintenance is required if you want to keep your car in tip-top shape. Regularly cleaning and replacing your filter will help extend the life of your vehicle, as well as it's individual parts.
Knowing when to clean your air filter is paramount. Upon purchasing a vehicle, consult the owner's manual so you're prepared to keep your air filter clean for the life of the vehicle.
There are many benefits to keeping your air filter clean. Keep these in mind to keep your car on the road as long as possible.
Visit our website to learn more about the benefits of clean air filters.