Engine air filters are more than just a small maintenance item – they play a role in your vehicle’s efficiency and performance. When you neglect your engine filter, it will clog up and compromise your vehicle’s reliability on the road. Read on to learn more about engine air filters, and how often you should change them to avoid road troubles.
The engine air filter is in charge of blocking out all kinds of harmful debris and particles, like leaves, bugs, dust, dirt, and other foreign objects that can get in the way of your engine’s daily operation. Similar to the air filter inside your apartments and homes, they need to be changed regularly.
Symptoms of a Dirty Engine Air Filter
Over time, the filter will fill up and cause blockages if you forget to change it. A dirty air filter restricts the airflow moving into the engine, which then affects the air-to-fuel ratio of combustion. As a result, the engine will have to compensate by working harder and consuming more fuel. Furthermore, you may notice a loss in engine power as well. Due to the imbalance of fuel and air, your car may experience laggy acceleration and sputter. In more serious cases, your engine can experience choking and produce a lot of exhaust fumes.
How Often Does the Engine Air Filter Need to Be Replaced?
Typically, you should replace your air filter as often as every 15,000 miles. Depending on the pollution in our area and how often you partake in stop-and-go traffic, you may need to replace this device more often.
The best way to tell when you are due for a filter replacement is simply by checking it as often as possible. When you bring your vehicle to STR Automotive for service, feel free to ask one of our technicians to check on the filter for you. We can replace it in a matter of minutes.
Please call or visit the professional team at STR Automotive today for all your automotive needs!