Airflow restriction caused by a dirty filter can strain engine components and lead to poor combustion. So, what happens? Your engine compensates by using more fuel to create the same amount of power. This is not only inefficient, but it also means you will notice reduced acceleration and less horsepower.
Most carmakers recommend replacing your car air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. With an accumulation of dirt over time, dirty engine filters can cause all sorts of problems for your car, including decreased fuel efficiency, reduced acceleration, and even engine damage.
A dirty air filter can also lead to engine damage since your vehicle will not have the oxygen needed to function properly.
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.
Your engine does not work well with contaminated air. The engine does not put out enough power or performance when it is dirty. If your car jerks when you try to accelerate, it may not be getting enough oxygen. The horsepower in your vehicle is dependent entirely on the amount of oxygen the engine receives.
Just like a clean engine air filter will help optimize emissions as well as improve acceleration and fuel economy, a dirty filter can lead to: 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.
If you don't change your air filter, it can quickly become clogged with dust and debris, preventing proper air filtration. This leads to a variety of issues for your HVAC system including system inefficiency, higher energy bills, inadequate air quality, and ultimately failure.
How much does it cost to replace an air filter? Replacing your car's air filter can cost anywhere from $20-$50, depending on the type of vehicle you have and the quality of filter. A high-quality filter will ensure better airflow, engine performance, and fuel economy — so it's worth investing in a reliable one!
Cabin air filters can capture dust, bugs, leaves, and other various types of debris. A dirty air filter can certainly impede your air conditioner's ability to cool and after time could cause unnecessary strain on the entire system.
No Air Filter
The air filter is like the lungs of your car, providing clean air to the engine for combustion. This air mixes with fuel to power up your ride. Without it, or when it's clogged, your engine struggles to breathe, leading to all sorts of problems.
Generally speaking, you should replace your car air filters every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you have a cheaper, thinner engine air filter, you may need a new air filter more frequently.
Dirty Air Filter
The filter material should be almost white. If it's dirty, clogged, or covered in debris, it's time to replace it.
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.
What happens if your HVAC filter is dirty? A dirty HVAC filter restricts airflow, which can lead to poor system efficiency, increased energy costs, and wear and tear on the unit.
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.
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.
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 Dirty or Discolored Filter
A clean air filter is usually white or tan. Over time when dirt and grime accumulate on it, it turns dark brown or black. Always check your filter in a well-lit area. If your filter is dirtier than usual, it's time to replace it.
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.
That means you are getting less than optimal burn of the atomized fuel and are losing lower as well as fuel economy. Eventually, the engine will stop running at all and will not start. The other problem with a bad air filter is when it does not restrict air flow to the combustion chamber as intended.
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.
There are a range of reasons why your car is juddering at speed. Your vehicle could have dirty fuel injectors, a damaged fuel pump, a blocked catalytic converter, a faulty mass airflow sensor, broken spark plugs, or even an accumulation of moisture.
Car Jerking While Idling
If your car jerks like this at a low RPM, you could have bad spark plugs or a worn throttle sensor.