It’s easy to forget about the air filters in your car. It’s tucked away under the dashboard and doesn’t get much attention. But your car’s performance will suffer if you don’t change it regularly.
This blog post will discuss what an air filter does and how often you should change it. So read on to learn more!
What Does Your Air Filter Do?
The air filter’s job is to trap airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and smog before they can enter your car’s engine. If your air filter gets clogged, it will restrict the airflow to your engine. It can cause your engine to run less efficiently and, in some cases, overheat.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
Most carmakers recommend changing the engine air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, this varies depending on your driving conditions. You may need to change your filter more often if you drive much in traffic or dusty conditions.
You can usually find your car’s recommended interval in the owner’s manual. Check with your dealership or an auto parts store if you can’t find it there. They should be able to look up the information for you.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Change Your Air Filter?
There are a few signs that your air filter needs to be changed.
If your car’s engine is running rough:
It could signify that the engine air filter is dirty and needs to be replaced. A dirty air filter will restrict the airflow to the engine, which can cause it to run rough.
If your car’s fuel economy has decreased:
A dirty air filter can also restrict airflow to the engine, making the engine work harder and use more fuel. If you’ve noticed that your car’s fuel economy has decreased, it could be time to change the air filter.
If there’s a lot of dust and debris in the cabin:
If you’ve noticed an increase in the dust and debris in the cabin, it could be because the cabin air filter is dirty. A dirty filter won’t be able to trap all of the particles, allowing them to pass through into the cabin.
Your car’s check engine light is on:
When your car’s check engine light is on, it could be because of a dirty air filter. The air filter keeps your engine clean, so if it’s not doing its job, the engine can get dirty and trigger the check engine light.
If your engines make much noise:
If your engine makes more noise than usual, it could be because of a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter restricts the engine’s airflow, putting unnecessary strain on it, and causing it to work harder and make more noise. Keep your ears peeled for popping sounds from the engine bay!
Changing your automobile’s air filter is an essential procedure for vehicle upkeep. Still, it’s not always at the top of everyone’s to-do list. That’s why we’re here to inform you that there is no need to be concerned. Lynn Layton Ford, serving Athens, AL, is here to help make this process as easy and convenient for you as possible.
We can help you schedule a service appointment online or if you’re looking for a car dealership near Athens, AL. Our inventory page has new and pre-owned vehicles for sale.
Please don’t wait any longer; visit us today!
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