A new air filter should be white or off-white in color. If it's dark and dirty, it's time to change it. Black smoke and soot coming out of the exhaust pipe, as well as a smell of gasoline when the engine starts, are other signs that your car needs a new air filter. Taking a look at the filter is one of the easiest ways to detect if it needs to be changed.
Most automotive companies recommend changing the air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every 12 months. However, if you normally drive in dusty or rural areas such as Scottsdale, Arizona or San Antonio, Texas, it's a good idea to have your mechanic check and change it more often, for example, every 6,000 miles. Driving in busy areas where there is a lot of traffic, including Los Angeles and Washington DC, can also require you to replace the air cleaner more often. Most vehicles also have a cabin air filter that is used to clean the air entering the interior of the car, but it has a different maintenance program than an engine air filter.
Don't underestimate the power of a new air filter - its vitality is essential for your car's performance. Another symptom that your engine has air problems can be found when you step on the accelerator pedal. If the car moves forward and doesn't move as smoothly as you normally recognize, check the air filter further for dirt buildup. No car is exempt from potential damage caused by a dirty air filter.
Do yourself (and your car) a favor and make sure to replace this key component of the air intake system regularly. Engine requires good airflow to function properly and achieve its usual level of efficiency. When air has trouble getting through a clogged or dirty filter, you'll start to notice low fuel consumption. This will be lower at first, but if you don't replace the filter, you could notice a reduction of up to 10% in fuel economy. Typically, you will need to replace the filter every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers. Refer to your manual for the recommendation for your vehicle.
Driving in dusty or rural locations can also cause air filter performance to decline more rapidly, so keep in mind that where you drive will affect its lifespan. If you are coughing and sputtering, or if you vibrate excessively when you turn the engine, you are most likely ordering a new air filter. That little light tends to make people think of the worst case scenario, but it can also indicate something as simple as a dirty air filter. Be sure to monitor your air filter and replace it when you start to notice signs that it is clogged, and keep your car in perfect condition for as long as possible. The location of the air filter varies by vehicle, so consult your owner's manual to find out exactly where the filter is located. A clean air filter will help your engine perform better; on newer cars, it can increase acceleration by up to 11%, and on older cars it can improve mileage by up to 14%. Every car's engine needs oxygen to run, and an air filter ensures clean, good air arrives.
Over time, the air filter can get dirty and clogged, and lack of air can affect the overall performance of your car. Most owner's manuals recommend changing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. You can have your Sugar House tire shop technician do the job while they rotate their tires and keep their care running at its best. Do not underestimate how important an automotive air filter is for your vehicle's operation. After 10 to 15 thousand miles (or sooner if you drive and live in very dusty areas), you will have to replace the air filter in order for your car to continue running smoothly.
