The engine air filter is an essential component of any vehicle, as it prevents dust, dirt, and other environmental contaminants from entering the engine. Over time, the air filter becomes dirty and clogged, and will need to be replaced. The air cleaner is usually enclosed in a black plastic housing or housing, and is square or rectangular (on fuel-injected engines) with a large air intake hose attached. On older vehicles with carbureted engines, it will be located in a large round housing that sits on top of the engine. It is recommended to change the engine air filter once a year or every 12,000 miles.
If you live in a dusty area, you should change the engine air filter more often. Keeping the air filter clean keeps the engine free of dirt and ensures optimal performance. A clean air filter is your engine's first line of defense to staying dirt-free and working properly. Other names by which automotive air conditioning filters are known are micron air filters, cabin air purifiers, cabin air filtration systems, and cabin air dust filters. While these factors affect the frequency of air filter replacement, you should visually inspect the filter every month for excessive particulate buildup. The filter prevents small particles from entering the engine and causing potentially costly damage.
Dirty or damaged air filters reduce airflow to the engine, which changes the car's air-fuel balance. Keep in mind that if you are driving in a sandy or dusty area, you may need to change the filter more often than the recommended time for your vehicle. Filters are designed to trap potentially harmful debris before it enters an area where it shouldn't, such as the combustion chamber, fuel injectors, vehicle cabin, and more. A new air filter will increase fuel consumption, reduce emissions, allow optimal airflow and improve engine performance. To open the air cleaner housing, simply remove the fasteners, remove the top of the air cleaner housing, and pull out the air cleaner. For every gallon of fuel burned, the engine consumes up to 10,000 gallons of air, so it's easy to understand how important a clean air filter is to the proper operation of a car.
Eventually, the filter media can rupture, allowing contaminants to reach the parts that the filter must protect. There's no need to replace your car's air conditioner filter if you've already replaced your cabin air filter. If you have allergies or a sensitive respiratory system, the cabin air filter is essential to creating a more comfortable driving environment. In conclusion: Regularly changing your car's air filter is essential for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. It also helps keep your engine free from dirt and other contaminants that can cause costly damage. If you're reaching the maintenance interval for your filters or they just don't work as they should, consider buying a replacement.