What is an engine air filter?
The main role of the engine air filter is to catch debris and dust from getting into the engine, which helps prolong its life. The filter is made up of fine paper covered in holes. It is generally installed near the engine in a black plastic container with a hose to direct air into the engine.
A quality engine air filter acts as a defender of the engine by preventing the impurities in the air from getting the engine. The engine air filter also delivers air into the engine for combustion in order to produce power.
When to replace an engine air filter?
After the engine air filter has been doing its job for a while, it is bound to get dirty causing a need for replacement. When you need to replace your filter you will notice:
- A decrease in fuel efficiency/gas mileage
- The check engine light can come on
- The air filter has turned dark, signaling that it is dirty
- Black smoke coming from the exhaust
If this is happening to you, it is time to visit a mechanic to check your engine air filter.
How often should engine air filter be replaced?
It’s recommended that you replace your filter after every 12 months or 10,000-15,000 miles, whichever comes first. How often you replace your engine air filter is also dependent on driving conditions and habits. For instance, if you’re driving in areas with heavy traffic or is dusty it is likely that you’ll need to replace your engine air filter after every 6,000 miles.
How much is an engine air filter?
If you want to improve your vehicle’s driving performance, having the engine air filter changed is one of the easiest ways to do that. The best part is that it won’t break your bank, as the average cost of replacing an engine air filter is somewhere between $40 to $85 in total.
What happens if you don’t replace your engine air filter?
Driving with a dirty air filter will result in poor acceleration, decreased engine power, rough engine running, and increased wear on your engine.
What is the importance of an engine air filter?
The engine air filter offers plenty of benefits to your vehicle:
- Makes your engine faster and more powerful
- Provides you with greater fuel efficiency
- Helps you save money and time on car maintenance
