If you often drive through dusty terrain or on unpaved roads, you should inspect your engine air filter more frequently. The only way to be sure how often your air filter should be checked is to visually inspect it every month. After a few months, you'll get an idea of how quickly it gets dirty. You should also re-evaluate if you have a new pet or if the outdoor air quality has been poor.
If you live in a big city, pollutants such as smoke, dust, and other debris will seep into your interior and clog your air filter at a much faster rate. The engine air filter is an essential part of your vehicle that prevents debris, dirt, insects, and other contaminants from entering the engine and causing damage. If you live alone, don't have pets, and the outdoor air around you is of good quality, the manufacturer's recommendations for changing the filter will probably work well for you. To locate the engine air filter housing, look for a large plastic case, usually black, located above or to the side of the engine.
Like a clogged drain, a dirty filter robs the system of vital air or fuel and causes each system it protects to work harder to do its job. During these months, pollutants in your home may increase, but the air filter doesn't catch them. There is a small chance that a dirty air filter will allow dirt and small pieces of debris to enter the engine. A dirty engine air filter usually looks dirty, with dirt, dust, or stains visible inside the folds.
You'll find it easier to remember this important task if you learn how often you should change your air filter in the first place.
Engine air, fuel, and cabin air filters
are all important components of your vehicle that should be inspected regularly to keep your car running smoothly and to maintain optimal air quality. At Virginia Tire & Auto, we'll never recommend parts or services that your car doesn't need, including air filters. The easiest way to know for sure how often the engine air filter should be changed is to consult the maintenance section of the owner's manual or simply Google the manufacturer's recommended maintenance interval.To improve air quality, turn the thermostat fan switch from the AUTO position to the ON position. A dirty air filter can cause ignition problems, reduce fuel consumption and, if neglected in the long term, reduce engine life. Replacing the air filter is not a service that auto repair shops invented to get a few extra dollars during the visit - it's an essential part of car maintenance that should not be overlooked.
