When you bring your vehicle to a car repair shop for maintenance, they may recommend that you change your car’s air filter. Your car’s air filter is one of the most overlooked items in the car, yet it needs to regularly be replaced. Learning more about the car’s air filter may help you to realize why it is important to regularly replace it, how it helps your automobile, and what the signs are that it needs to be replaced.
What Is a Car’s Air Filter?
The air filter is located near the engine of your car. As your car operates, it pulls air in. This air helps to cool the engine and prevent it from overheating. The filter helps to filter out all the items that are present in outdoor air, including pollens, pollutants, dirt, dust, and smog. Air filters can also help to filter out larger items that may be floating around in the air, such as bugs and leaves. Filtering the air helps to prevent all of these items from entering your engine and causing problems that may be related to a build-up of dirt and contaminants on the engine. Additionally, the air that is pulled into your car to heat or cool your vehicle is pulled through the filter, helping to clean the air you breathe in your car.
Why Does a Car’s Air Filter Need to Be Changed?
Any type of filter gets full as it accumulates the materials it is designed to filter out. A car air filter is no different. As it is used, it fills with dirt, dust, and contaminants. It needs to be changed when it becomes full so the filter can continue to filter out these items efficiently. If you fail to replace your car’s air filter, one of the problems you may encounter is increased fuel use. When your engine is dirty or when the engine is not getting adequate airflow, your engine has to work harder, which increases fuel usage. Another reason why it is important to replace your air filter is that it helps to extend the life of your engine, and can prevent costly engine repairs. If your air filter is dirty, your engine can overheat.
What Are the Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Car’s Air Filter?
Most car manufacturers recommend you change the car’s air filter every 12,000 and 15,000 miles. If you drive in an area that has recently had a large fire, is extremely dusty, or you frequently drive down dirt roads, you may need to replace your air filter more frequently. If you notice the air blowing into your car is dirtier than normal, if your car’s fuel efficiency is decreasing, and/or if you notice your engine is running on hotter than normal, it may be time to replace your filter.
Whether your car needs routine maintenance, such as replacing the air filter, or is in need of a repair, Morgan Automotive Repair can help. Schedule your appointment with our Tracy, Manteca, or Stockton location today via our online scheduling tool or by calling the location of your choice.