Your car has air filters that are there to help keep the car running efficiently. You may not have known this, but it is recommended that you change your car’s air filter at least once a year.
What most people don’t know is when they should be replacing their car’s air filters though they can sometimes tell when the car starts running inefficiently. If you’re wondering how often you should replace your vehicle air filters, this blog post will answer all of your questions!
But first, let’s see why air filters are important:
What Is an Air Filter and Why Does It Matter?
An air filter keeps your engine operating longer. It prevents dirt, debris from entering the air intake system, which may cause damage to important components of your vehicle’s internal combustion process.
If you’re having issues with your automobile, it’s time to get an air filter replaced as soon as possible or you could be putting yourself and others at risk.
How Long Does an Air Filter Last?
An air filter is only effective for so long, and if it’s no longer working as intended or hasn’t been replaced in a while, your engine will eventually stop operating.
The general rule of thumb when it comes to air filters is that they should be replaced every 12 months or between 12,000 and 15,000 miles. It’s important to research your air filter as some vehicles require more frequent changes than others (like those that contain a cabin air filter).
Here are some warnings saying now your vehicle air filter is not working as intended and you need to change it.
Dirty Air Filters
Air filter changes are necessary to maintain car performance and fuel efficiency. As a car age, the air filter gets clogged with dirt and debris that can reduce engine power. When you check your air filters and they look dirty, then it’s time to replace them.
Replacing an old car air filter or changing mid-grade car oil is one of the easiest car maintenance tasks anyone can do themselves in 30 minutes or less! Or you can always take help from a car repair shop.
Engine Light Stays On
Check engine light indicates car trouble and air filters are one of the car parts that can cause light to turn on. If the car’s engine is working hard or running abnormally, this could be a reason for the check engine light to be turned on. Driving with a bad car filter robs gas mileage and power from your vehicle, so it is best to replace the car filter when the car starts to act up.
One of the car parts that you can clean is a car air filter. When your “check engine” light is on, this will happen because there could be dirt in the filter. If you need to do this, it is best to do it soon because other parts in your car won’t work well if there’s dirt in the filter.
Black Smoke Escaping From The Exhaust Pipe
Your car’s exhaust system helps to protect your car from harmful emissions that are produced when gasoline is burned inside the engine.
The fuel doesn’t burn black normally, which is due to a lack of oxygen. This indicates your car needs new air filters. When you have a mechanic check out your car for an oil change they should also inspect the car’s exhaust system.
Smell Gas When You Start Engine
A gas odor that you detect when you start your engine could be a sign of air filter neglect. Since air filters are one of the most important parts of vehicles, make sure to add this task to your list each time you go for regular maintenance service. “There’s no better warning sign telling us when it’s time to replace air filters.”
Mileage Goes Down
Another indicator of air filter neglect is an increase in your fuel consumption or gas mileage. If you don’t change it, this problem could get worse over time and lead to more expensive repairs!
Therefore, if the air filters are old or dirty enough that they’re restricting airflow into the engine then less gasoline will be able to enter the engine. The air would not be enough to burn all the gas, so it will exit out through exhaust piping, leaving a distinct smell behind.
What Next!
If you’ve been experiencing any of these problems, contact us today! We can inspect your air filter and let you know if there is a need for an air filter replacement or repair service.
Schedule an appointment with Dependable Car Care today to take care of this issue before it gets out of hand!
