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.
A bad air filter will sound like there is wind blowing in your car. Since the filter does not properly fit the bearing, the wind will start to blow from the edges of the filter. This air leakage from the edges of the filter will lead to a whistle-like sound or a wind-blowing sound in the vehicle.
When your vehicle's engine air filter needs to be changed, you may also hear popping noises or vibrations from the engine. These sounds are caused by misfires and other issues that can be a result of a clogged air filter. Check the vehicle's air filter first if you repeatedly hear these noises.
Can Driving with a Dirty Air Filter Damage My Engine? Yes, it's possible. If an air filter isn't functioning as it's meant to, it could be letting debris, dust particles, and other pollutants into your engine, potentially causing damage.
In most cases, a noisy filter is caused by air lock-ins. These are air bubbles in the rotor housing, causing vibration and scraping of the rotor / impeller against plastic. Prolonged running of a filter like that can cause damage to the rotor / impeller.
Replacing a dirty, clogged air filter with a clean one brings immediate improvements. Your engine sound will change noticeably, with less straining and raspy noises from under the hood.
A dirty air filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder and create a hissing noise. This is an easy fix–simply replace the air filter. However, a persistent hiss could also indicate a refrigerant leak.
A sports air filter sounds louder than a normal air filter because the larger volume of air is less restricted. Though the increased air is necessary for performance, it is going to make your car roar a lot more than normal.
A dirty or clogged air filter impedes airflow, leading the MAF sensor to inaccurately read, resulting in a skewed fuel mixture. This can impact the engine's performance and emissions, prompting the computer to illuminate the check engine light and store a trouble code in its memory.
Unusual Engine Sounds
If your engine starts to make ticking, knocking, or rumbling sounds, it's time to check the oil filter. These sounds can occur when the oil is not lubricating the engine parts adequately due to a blockage in the filter.
Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.
A worn filter, especially the engine air filter, can cause numerous issues, including decreasing the effectiveness of your catalytic converter.
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.
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.
Noise Due to Debris and Filter Issues
Incorrectly installed or clogged filters can lead to a series of noises ranging from clicking to rattling, indicating the air purifier is straining to function as intended. Similarly, dust build-up on ionizer pins can result in ticking sounds.
Raise the Water Level
A gap between the filter and the water's surface can lead to lots of splashing and trickling sounds. Additionally, the larger the gap, the louder the noise will be. To mitigate this, you can raise the water level to thin the gap as much as possible, making the splashing sounds quieter.
Cleaning or replacing filters regularly will help reduce noise significantly. Additionally, ensure that your air filter is the right size for your system. A filter that is too large will cause a restriction, while one that's too small may create an imbalance in airflow.
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.
Can a dirty air filter cause high-speed idle? Yes, dirty air can damage the air-fuel mixture, causing inefficient combustion and potentially running the engine at a higher speed.
As you peruse the routine maintenance schedule for your car, truck, or SUV, have you found yourself asking, “How often should you change an engine air filter?” If so, then you've come to the right place! Generally speaking, engine air filters need to be replaced every 30,000 to 45,000 miles.