Why Engine Air Filters Need Replacement

The engine air filter in your car is responsible for cleaning the air going into the intake and cylinders of the engine. A quality air filter will trap most of the dust, leaves, and other debris that would otherwise go into the combustion chamber and cause internal problems for the engine. As the air filter collects dust and debris, the particles trapped in the filter will limit the flow of air into your engine and can decrease performance. While the frequency of engine air filter replacement varies, it’s a good idea to check it regularly to make sure it is clean. Driving where there is dust and dirt in the air, or leaves and other debris will cause the air filter to become dirty and clogged sooner than driving in other areas. Sometimes, animals can also make a home inside the engine bay of your car and leave debris in the air filter box, which will limit airflow to the engine. Even if it has not been 12,000 miles, if the air filter is visually dirty and filled with debris, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

The Effect of a Dirty Air Filter on Your Engine

Running your car with a dirty air filter can decrease performance and even damage your engine in some situations. This is why at Jamie’s Tire & Service we recommend regular checks to ensure the air filter is in good shape. Here are some of the negative consequences of NOT changing your engine air filter:

Decreased fuel efficiency/lower MPG: Dirty air filters restrict airflow to the engine, and will decrease your car's fuel efficiency. When the engine can’t get all the air it needs, the combustion process in the cylinder will be thrown off and you will notice a decrease in fuel efficiency when driving. With gas prices as high as they are today, it’s important to do what we can to keep our cars running at their best.
Sluggish engine/slow acceleration: Another side effect of a dirty engine air filter is low performance. Without sufficient air getting to the engine, you will notice a lack of power and slower acceleration. Changing your engine air filter will ensure your engine can breathe and perform as it should.
Fuel smell in the exhaust: Without enough air getting to the engine, you may notice a fuel smell in the exhaust as a result of fuel not being burned efficiently during combustion. This is wasted energy and can also cause a buildup inside the engine on the exhaust valves that will cause issues over time. Unburnt fuel passing through the exhaust can cause issues like clogged catalytic converters, fouled oxygen sensors, and other emissions-related problems.
Check engine light on: If your engine isn’t getting enough air and cannot run efficiently, you may experience a check engine light. If you see a check engine light on your dash, it’s important to have the problem diagnosed to help prevent small problems from snowballing into larger repairs.

Get Your Engine Air Filter Replaced Today!

If you think it may be time to have your engine air filter replaced, call the pros at Jamie’s Tire & Service in Dayton, Ohio! We are here to help make sure your car is running at its best and would be happy to help you by checking the condition of your engine air filter. Our auto service mechanics will check your air filter during every oil change, but if you’d like to know the condition of the filter today, just let us know and we’d be happy to take a look. Air filter changes are a normal part of factory scheduled maintenance! We’ve been providing auto repair services to Fairborn, Beavercreek, Xenia, Kettering and Dayton for over 50 years and would love to be YOUR go-to guys for auto repair.

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