Replacing the engine's air filter can have a significant effect on your car's performance. It can increase horsepower, improve mileage, and even boost acceleration. That's why it's important to change the engine filter at least once a year, or whatever is recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. But how does an air filter make such a difference? A dirty or damaged air filter restricts the amount of air that enters the car's engine, causing it to work harder and therefore consume more fuel.
Since the engine needs more than 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn each liter of fuel, it is essential not to limit this air flow. Naturally, air filters must be changed if they are damaged. However, to maintain the maximum possible performance of your car, it is recommended to replace air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you frequently drive in dusty conditions. It's best to check the maintenance schedule provided by your car manufacturer for the appropriate replacement program. Considering that your car engine may require more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel used, clean oxygen is crucial for the engine to function properly.
In fact, according to the Car Care Council, replacing a dirty engine filter can improve fuel consumption by up to 10%.A clean air filter allows pure oxygen to enter the fuel-air mixture, while a dirty air filter reduces airflow and reduces fuel efficiency. In addition, changing the air filter regularly will protect the engine and vital internal parts of the engine from excessive wear and damage that can lead to driving problems and expensive engine repairs. Dirty or damaged air filters reduce air flow to the engine and alter the car's air-fuel balance. As the engine's air intake filter becomes clogged with airborne debris and particulates, airflow to the engine is reduced. The filter prevents small particles from entering the engine and causing potentially costly damage.
Knowing some of the telltale signs of a dirty or clogged filter can prevent you from having to wait too long to change it. By providing a clean air stream to the engine, an air filter ensures that the engine receives the amount of air needed to operate at its maximum level. A new air filter will increase fuel consumption, reduce emissions, allow optimal air flow and improve engine performance. A clean air filter will help the engine work better; in newer cars, it can increase acceleration by up to 11%, and in older cars, it can improve mileage by up to 14%. In newer fuel-injected cars, the air filter is usually located near the top, front, or side of the engine, next to the throttle body.
Worn or dirty air filters will cause the engine to malfunction; one of the things you'll notice is that you'll have less power and weaker acceleration. A particle as small as a grain of salt can pass through a damaged air filter and cause serious damage to internal parts of the engine, such as cylinders and pistons, which can be very expensive to repair. An air filter is one of the least expensive maintenance components to replace and you can do it yourself. An air filter may not seem like an important component that needs to be checked and changed regularly, but it's essential for maintaining car performance.
