How Often Do I Really Need To Change My Air Filter?

There is an air filter installed in your car. The reason behind installing an air filter in your car is to prevent from dirt, dust and other sort of contaminants to enter into the engine intake system and at the end its combustion chamber. This plays an important role to maintain the efficiency of engine performance and to optimize the fuel economy. It even makes sure that emissions remain within acceptable levels. Here is a breakdown of the importance of changing the air filter of car, in detail:

Importance of Changing the Air Filter

Engine Performance

To change the air filter allows the proper airflow which is necessary for the engine to function properly and efficiently. Clogged or dirty filter restricts the airflow which leads to decrease the engine power and poor acceleration.

Fuel Efficiency

You must know that after changing the air filter, you will have a clean air filter and its helps the engine to run smoothly and optimally which can enhance the fuel efficiency. Whereas a dirty filter can cause the engine to work hard this will lead to decrease the poor acceleration and engine power.

Emission Control

A well-functioning air filter will to reduce the harmful emissions by simply allowing the engine operate efficiently.

Engine Longevity

Changing the air filter will keep the contaminants out of the engine which will increase the life of engine and especially if it is a used engine, as it reduces the wear and tear of engine components.

These were the importance of changing the air filter; you may now understand how important it is to change the air filter. Now, let’s move forward and understand the how often you should change the air filter.

How Often to Change the Air Filter

To change the air filter frequently varies on various factors. Here is an overview to understand when to change the air filter.

Recommendations

Most of the manufacturers suggest that you should check the air filter after every 12k to 15k miles. Whereas some of the manufacturers recommend that replacing it at the same span of period but this depends of your vehicle model.

Driving Conditions

If most of the time you drive in dirty or dusty environments like, construction sites or unpaved road or if your vehicle is in stop and go traffic frequently. In that case, you may need to change the air filter more often; after every 6k to 10k miles.

Visual Inspection

If you are not sure that your vehicle requires an air filter change then you go for visual inspection. If you found excessive dirt or the debris then it’s a good idea to changing the air filter without considering of mileage.

Maintenance Schedule

You must stick to your owner manual for specific kind of recommendation regarding your vehicle. Some newer models of cars may have advance engine management system which can extend the life of air filter.

This is how often you must change the air Filter.

In The End

In summary, we conclude that changing the air filter is necessary to increase the life on engine and for fuel economy. Here we have shared when you should change the air filter and you must inspect the air filter regularly considering you driving conditions.