The air filter in your vehicle is an essential component of its overall performance. A dirty air filter can cause several problems, from decreased fuel efficiency to engine damage. Keep reading to learn about the consequences of a dirty air filter and how often you should replace it. 


What is an Air Filter?

Your car, truck, or SUV has different components which keep its engine running at peak performance. The air filter is one of them, and it is an essential part of the vehicle's emission system. It removes dirt, dust, pollen, and other air debris before entering the engine. The air filter prevents these particles from entering the engine's other components. When the filter becomes dirty, it cannot trap these particles, and they can enter the engine, leading to problems.

Consequences of a Dirty Air Filter

A dirty air filter in your vehicle can seriously affect its performance. The air filter is integral to the vehicle's emissions system and removes dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris before entering the engine. When the filter becomes dirty or clogged with these particles, it can't trap them and can cause damage to the engine components. This section will discuss some consequences of a dirty air filter on your vehicle's performance.

PHIL WRIGHT AUTOPLEX

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  • Contact: (479) 439-7941

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Decreased Fuel Efficiency 

The primary purpose of an air filter is to keep dirt, dust, and other contaminants from entering your engine. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the combustion chamber. This causes incomplete fuel burning and decreases fuel efficiency. 

Rough Idling 

When your car's air intake system has difficulty getting enough oxygen, this can cause rough idling or hesitation when speeding up. This lack of power can be dangerous if you need to speed up on the highway or merge into traffic quickly. If you notice a problem, take your vehicle to your Phil Wright Autoplex automotive specialist. We can verify the issue and have it fixed fast.

Increased Emissions 

A restricted air intake system can also lead to increased vehicle emissions because of the engine's incomplete combustion. This means it releases more harmful pollutants into the environment, which could have long-term implications for our planet. Be part of the solution to help reduce vehicle emissions and keep your air filter clean. With regular maintenance, you can keep your car running efficiently and reduce emissions at the same time.

Engine Damage 

If left unchecked, a dirty air filter can cause severe damage to your engine over time as particles build up in the combustion chamber and reduce its efficiency even further. An extremely clogged filter may even stop airflow and cause your engine to overheat or shut down entirely while driving.  While these are extreme cases, it's still important to keep your air filter clean and replace it when necessary.

How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?  

To avoid these issues, it's recommended that you change your air filter every 12 months or 15,000 miles (whichever comes first). Of course, if you live in an area with high dust levels or other particulates in the air, you may need to replace it more frequently than this suggested timeline. If you're unsure, your mechanic can check it for you and advise when it needs to be changed.

Can I Change My Air Filter Myself?

We recommend leaving air filter replacement to the professionals at Phil Wright Autoplex. Our service technicians are highly trained and experienced in replacing air filters, so they can ensure the job is done safely and correctly. We also have access to OEM air filters, which are better quality than aftermarket ones. This will help extend the life of your filter and keep it running efficiently.

As we've seen today, a dirty air filter can seriously affect your vehicle's performance and safety on the road-not to mention its environmental impact! If it's been over 12 months since you last changed your car's air filter, consider getting it looked at by an expert mechanic today at Phil Wright Autoplex! Their team can diagnose any issues with your car's air intake system and recommend necessary repairs so you can get back on the road sooner rather than later!