Engine Noise The cause of the strange noise could be as simple as a dirty air filter. If you start to hear popping or coughing noises while you are driving, it could be a spark plug that is damaged because of a dirty air filter. The same is true if you feel a vibration while you are driving.
Sometimes, a dirty air filter will cause the engine to cough or make popping noises. It could also cause the vehicle to vibrate. The vibration and noises happen because the dirty engine air filter is damaging the spark plugs. Ignoring the damaged spark plugs could cause the engine to misfire or eventually shut down.
Your vehicle's engine may begin to make strange sounds, aside from the sounds that are caused by misfiring. These may be wheezing sounds or coughing sounds. These sounds are caused by an engine air filter that is clogged and is not letting enough air into the vehicle's engine.
FLAMES OR SOOTY SMOKE EXITING THE EXHAUST
Insufficient air supply to the engine results in incomplete burning of fuel. The unburnt fuel then leaves the vehicle through the exhaust pipe in the form of black smoke. This is a sign that your vehicle needs an air filter replacement or clean-up.
Damaged Spark Plugs: Driving with a clogged air filter for too long can cause an excess of unburnt fuel, leading to carbon deposits on your spark plugs. This, in turn, can cause misfires, rough idling, and difficulties starting the engine.
Decreased Acceleration and Power
One of the first signs of a clogged intake air filter is a noticeable decrease in acceleration and power. If your car feels sluggish or struggles to pick up speed, it could be due to restricted airflow caused by a dirty filter.
That's because the engine doesn't have to work as hard pulling air through a filter heavy with debris. Gas mileage can improve dramatically by as much as 10% or more. The small upfront cost of a new filter saves you money over the long run in fuel efficiency gains.
Dirty Air Filter Symptoms
Engine misfires and violent vibrations can be caused by an air filter that is dirty and clogged. The clogged air filter may allow oil to burn improperly, thus contaminating the spark plugs of your engine with excess oil deposits.
Increased fan noises
When large particles enter the air cabin filter, not only do they make it difficult for the air to enter and be properly filtered, but they also cause a lot of noise when the air passes through. As a result, whenever you turn on the fan in your vehicle, you would hear a loud noise.
If you are noticing rough idling, hard starts, or a misfiring engine, they all could be signs that the air filter is dirty and clogged. When there is not enough air getting to the engine, that means the air to fuel ratio is imbalanced. You will have too much fuel and not enough oxygen.
Common Causes of Engine Knock
Several factors can contribute to engine knock, ranging from low-quality fuel and incorrect spark plug heat range to carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and advanced ignition timing. Additionally, high temperatures and excessive engine loads can exacerbate the issue.
When your air filter clogs, or if it's too restrictive, it causes your unit to work overtime. This means your air conditioning unit is working hard to pull in air, and it might be pulling your air filter tight against its frame, so when the unit shuts off, it releases the air filter, which slams against the grille.
It's recommended that you replace your car's air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. However, if you drive in dusty conditions or on dirt roads frequently, it's best to check more often as this will increase the amount of debris entering into the engine.
Clogged Air Filters
The air filter is a critical component regulating airflow into the engine, affecting the air-fuel mixture. Air filters gradually accumulate dirt and debris, restricting airflow and potentially causing jerking during acceleration.
If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
Turn the unit off. Turning this off prevents the air from blowing dust and grit into your system. Open up your vent and remove the used filter. Make sure the Air Flow Arrows are pointing toward the HVAC Unit.
Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on your car make and model. When you realise that, it makes sense to regularly replace your air filters.
When your car is idling or stationary, you should feel and hear the smooth vibrations of an efficient engine. If you notice unusual noises, in particular a coughing, popping or spitting noise, it suggests that the engine isn't getting enough airflow, which means your air filter needs to be replaced.
An unhealthy air filter can cause your engine to sputter or make popping noises.