How can I tell if my car needs a new air filter?

Author: Samson Bergstrom Jr.  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

7 Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Car Air Filter
  1. Reduced Fuel Efficiency. The most common sign is a decrease in gas mileage. ...
  2. The Engine Light Is On. ...
  3. The Air Filter Is Dirty. ...
  4. Jerking Movements When You Accelerate. ...
  5. Misfiring and Starting Issues. ...
  6. Strange Engine Sounds. ...
  7. Black Smoke or Flames From the Exhaust Pipe.

How do I know when my car air filter needs replacing?

This guide will go over some common signs that show when it's time to change your car air filter.
  1. A Dirty or Discolored Filter. ...
  2. Odd Engine Noises. ...
  3. Check Engine Light. ...
  4. Poor Performance. ...
  5. Weak Fuel Economy. ...
  6. Black Smoke from the Exhaust.

How do you know if your car air filter is bad?

How Can You Tell if Your Air Filter Is Dirty?
  • Reduced Gas Mileage. ...
  • Strange Engine Noises. ...
  • Decreased Performance. ...
  • Check Engine Light Comes On. ...
  • Black Smoke or Flames in the Exhaust. ...
  • The Smell of Petrol in the Exhaust. ...
  • Your Engine Misses or Misfires. ...
  • Loss of Acceleration.

Will I notice a difference with a new air filter?

Unless the air filter is completely clogged or blown into pieces like one of mine was, it won't really change anything. If the old one was bad then it can definitely give you more airflow which would make your car more efficient, giving you slightly higher MPG and horsepower, but probably not enough power to notice.

What happens when you don't change your air filter in your car?

If you don't change your cabin air filter, it can become clogged over time and restrict the airflow into the car. This will lead to reduced fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and possible problems with the engine. In worst case scenarios, this could result in a failed engine or even an accident.

Why It's Important To Check or Replace Your Engine Air Filter

How often should an air filter be changed in a car?

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.

Can you drive with a bad air filter?

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.

Will my car run better with a new air filter?

Simply replacing your engine air filter can increase horsepower and, in some cases, even improve mileage. So, we would advise changing your engine filter at least once a year or what is recommended in your vehicle owner's manual. It is always best to follow the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.

How much does a car air filter cost?

Most engine air filters will cost between $20 to $85, depending on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, and whether you do it yourself or take your vehicle to the dealer or a mechanic.

How do you know if you need a new filter?

  1. Your Maintenance Light is Illuminated.
  2. The Engine Oil Looks Excessively Dark or Thick.
  3. Your Engine Is Overheating.
  4. Your Exhaust Fumes are Dirty.
  5. Your Oil Pressure Decreases.
  6. The Check Engine Light is On.
  7. The Oil Filter is Leaking.
  8. Engine Knocking or Ticking.

What does a car sound like with a bad air filter?

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.

What is the first symptom of a restricted air filter?

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.

What are the symptoms of a bad air filter?

What are the symptoms of a dirty air filter? A fuel smell, performance issues, decreased fuel economy, black exhaust smoke, engine noises, and/or a Check Engine Light on are signs you need a new air filter.

Can I clean my car air filter instead of replacing it?

Cleaning the air filter only improves its appearance. When should an air filter be replaced? The air filter should be replaced after the period indicated by the vehicle manufacturer.

What happens when air filter is not changed?

Air filters that are overdue for a change are a common cause of HVAC system failure. Over time, dirt builds up in the heating and AC filters, causing components such as the motor to go into overdrive, which may eventually overheat your unit.

How do you know if your car needs a new air filter?

7 Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Car Air Filter
  • Reduced Fuel Efficiency. The most common sign is a decrease in gas mileage. ...
  • The Engine Light Is On. ...
  • The Air Filter Is Dirty. ...
  • Jerking Movements When You Accelerate. ...
  • Misfiring and Starting Issues. ...
  • Strange Engine Sounds. ...
  • Black Smoke or Flames From the Exhaust Pipe.

What happens when you don't change your air filter in a car?

As your air filter catches unwanted particles, it's also helping your engine pull in the clean air it needs to operate effectively. But when the filter wears down and gets dirty, it can choke off your car's air flow and hurt your engine's acceleration power.

Will replacing air filter affect AC?

Maintaining a clean air filter is a small but crucial task that can have a significant impact on your AC system's performance and your overall comfort. By regularly cleaning or replacing your air filter, you ensure proper airflow, improve air quality, and prevent unnecessary strain on your AC unit.

How long can you go without changing air filter in car?

Most owner's manuals recommend switching out the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. You can have the technician at your Sugar House tire shop perform the work while they rotate your tires and keep your care running at its best. No car is exempt from the potential damage caused by a dirty air filter.

Will a new air filter improve gas mileage?

New and clean air filters improve gas mileage

It has been scientifically proven that by simply replacing the air filter on a car, it's possible to get at least 10% better gas mileage. That's as good as saving 15 cents a gallon every time you fill up, all whilst helping to keep your engine in optimal condition.

Will the air filter make the check engine light come on?

A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.

Can a dirty air filter make your car jerk?

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.

What are the symptoms of a dirty fuel filter?

Symptoms of a Clogged Fuel Filter
  • Difficulty starting. A diesel engine that does not receive adequate fuel can be hard to start.
  • Engine misfiring. ...
  • Rough idling. ...
  • Poor engine performance. ...
  • Poor fuel economy. ...
  • Whining and unusual sounds.

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