You love your car, and you take pride in keeping it well-maintained. You regularly check the engine oil, top off fluids, and get regular tune-ups. But have you checked your engine air filter lately? You missed it! It’s okay; you’re not alone!
Most car owners don’t know when to replace their engine air filter, and some don’t even know what it is. Let’s understand this engine component and why it’s essential to keep it clean.
There are two air filters in a car: engine air filter and cabin air filter.
An engine air filter is a black plastic box in the engine compartment with a paper filter inside. The engine air filter’s job is to clean the air that goes into the engine.
The cabin air filter is placed behind the glove compartment and controls the air that enters the cabin.
Your air filters are vital for two reasons:
There’s no certain answer here because it depends on several factors, such as the model of your car, the type of air filter you have, the air quality of the region you are located in, and how often you drive in dusty or dirty conditions.
Most mechanics recommend replacing your engine air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles.
If your engine air filter is dirty, the following symptoms will be prevalent:
You can visually inspect your engine air filter to see if it needs to be replaced. If it’s clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, it’s time for a new one! A car mechanic can also help you determine if your engine air filter needs to be replaced.
There are a few compelling benefits of having a clean engine air filter, including:
A clean air filter not only helps improve your car’s performance and gas mileage, but it can also help keep you and your passengers healthy this summer.