Do you know what does an air filter do in a car and when to replace it? If not, don't worry! We have you covered. In today's guide, we will explain what does a car air filter do and share surefire signs indicative of their replacement. So, let's get started, shall we?
Find Cheap Auto InsuranceWhat Does An Air Filter Do In A Car?
Think of car air filters as the lungs in your body, which help you inhale and exhale and maintain the supply of oxygen. Likewise, the engine is the massive air pump, while the filter keeps debris and dirt away from entering it.
The car filter is designed ingeniously with high-quality pleated paper and sometimes synthetic fibers. It is enclosed and secured in a metal or plastic frame. The filter's primary role is to trap dirt, pollen, dust, and all other contaminants, ensuring clean air.
So, here's how they work:
When the car engine starts running, it takes in air from the outside, which passes through the intake system, where the air filters are installed. The pleated fabric stops the contaminants, ensuring only clean air passes through the system. This air reaches the combustion chamber and mixes with the car's fuel for power generation needed to enhance your ride's performance. It results in excellent acceleration and horsepower.
Clean air through the car filters boosts your car's performance and enhances fuel efficiency. When the engine receives a sufficient supply of air, it burns fuel efficiently. On the other hand, clogged filters cause the engine to work harder than usual and consume more fuel.
Moreover, the performance of the filters is also correlated to the engine's longevity. As the filters trap dangerous particles, dust, and debris from entering the engine, they lower the risk of damage and wear and tear. This further extends the life of the components inside the engine, such as cylinders, valves, and pistons.
So, undeniably, air filters are crucial for the performance, efficiency, and longevity of your car's engine. However, keeping them clean and always ensuring they work as intended is a challenge. It is, therefore, vital to know the problematic signs that indicate it's time to replace them before the damage is done.
Surefire Signs for Car Air Filter Replacement
Now that you know exactly what does an air filter do in a car let's review the signs for its replacement:
1. The Engine Misfires
When the car's engine misfires, it indicates that the air filter needs replacement. The engine misfires when the filter becomes dirty and clogged, thereby restricting the engine's airflow. This further causes the car's engine to run lean. So, when the engine doesn't get enough fuel to burn, it causes the engine to misfire. In such a situation, get your filters replaced.
2. Fuel Economy of Your Ride Is Poor
When the ride's economy lowers, it may be time to replace the air filters. Clogged filters stop clean air from reaching the engine, so the engine has to work harder, thereby using more fuel than usual.
3. Car's Running is Rough
Another surefire sign of a clogged filter is that it doesn't run smoothly. So, when the filter has debris or is clogged, it restricts the airflow and lowers the vehicle's performance.
4. You Haven't Replaced It In the Longest Time
In general, a passenger car's air filter should be replaced every 20.000 to 30.000 milesSimilarly, you can replace air filters on commercial vehicles (light and heavy-duty) as soon as possible after 30,000 miles. However, if you drive your vehicle in a dirty or dusty environment, you may have to replace air filters more often. So, if you haven't replaced your car's air filters for the longest time, then get them changed before they impact your ride's performance.
Best Tips To Keeping Your Filters Clean and Clog-Free
After learning about what does a car air filter do and when to replace it, let's look at the best tips to keep them functional:
● Invest in car maintenance and get your car air filters inspected often to ensure they are clean and clog-free.
● Avoid getting grime or oil into the filter, as these elements can reduce the filter's ability to catch and stop impurities.
● Only wash the car air filters if and as recommended. This is because some filters are not washable. If you can't wash them, replace them as soon as they become dusty and dirty.
● Always get them replaced by a professional to ensure they are correctly installed; otherwise, the filters will not perform at their optimal level.
Wrapping Up
In a nutshell, you must now be confidently about what does an air filter do in a car and when to replace it. Regular inspection plus timely replacement of air filters can prevent numerous engine problems and contribute to a smoother and more efficient driving experience. By following manufacturer recommendations and being attentive to driving conditions and performance signals, vehicle owners can ensure their engines receive the clean air they need for optimal operation.
While air filters are relatively inexpensive, they are crucial for the overall health along with the efficiency of your engine. Proper vehicle maintenance can easily prevent costly issues that could arise from neglect. It save you money in repairs.
However, if an accident occurs, comprehensive or collision insurance can cover the repair costs, ensuring that all parts, including the air filter, are restored to proper working condition. Therefore, while insurance doesn't directly cover air filters, it supports the broader maintenance and repair needs of your vehicle.
For more information or assistance finding the best insurance coverage, contact BindRight. We can help you get the best deal on car insurance by empowering you to evaluate and compare offers from top-rated insurance providers quickly at your fingertips.