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.
In summary, allowing unfiltered air into the engine can result in contamination, reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, engine damage, increased emissions, and potential overheating. Regular maintenance and timely replacement of the air filter are crucial to prevent these issues.
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.
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.
Poor Air Quality
If the filter is too dirty to do its job, those unwanted particles can collect in your ductwork and cling to the internal components of your HVAC system, ultimately diminishing air quality throughout your house.
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 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.
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.
A Decrease in Engine Power
If the air filter isn't regularly changed, the filter will become clogged. A clogged prevents an adequate amount of air from getting into the engine. This will lead to the engine running less efficiently than it should. Poor acceleration is a telltale sign of a dirty air filter.
It's recommended that you change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in. During normal driving conditions, changing the air filter every 20,000 miles will usually suffice.
A dirty engine air filter will block the amount of oxygen coming into your vehicle's engine. That will reduce engine efficiency and rob you of the max power that you can get from your vehicle.
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.
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.
Symptom 6: Rough Idling
When the air filter is clogged, it messes with the air-fuel ratio in your engine, causing it to idle roughly.
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.
Replacement Interval: Typically 12-24 months or 12,000-24,000 miles. Accessibility: The engine air filter is usually located in an easily accessible area within the engine compartment. Cost: Generally ranges from $20 to $80, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
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.
Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.
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.