Crazy as it might seem, some people don’t replace the air filter in their cars. It’s a small part that can easily be forgotten, and it doesn’t seem like it would make that much of a difference, right? Wrong. In fact, not replacing your car’s air filter can lead to all sorts of problems, from decreased fuel efficiency to impaired performance. So, if you keep putting off replacing the air filter, this post is for you.
Read on to find out just how bad things can get if you don’t change your engine air filter regularly.
Reduced Engine Performance:
Car engines require uncontaminated oil and clean air filters to perform at their best. When an engine air filter becomes clogged, it can restrict airflow and cause the engine to run less efficiently. Your car might have trouble accelerating, and you may notice a decrease in power. Over time, it can lead to engine damage. And that is an expensive car repair that affects the resale value of your vehicle.
Increased Fuel Consumption:
The increasing gas prices are putting a strain on our wallets. And if that gets topped off with increased fuel consumption due to a dirty air filter, we’ll not be happy campers. When a dirty air filter restricts airflow, the car’s engine has to work harder. It causes the engine to use more fuel. So, your next road trip might be more expensive than you planned.
A Dirty Air Filter and the Environment:
Studies reveal that 27% of greenhouse gases come from vehicle tailpipes. So, anything we can do to minimize our car’s emissions is good for the environment. Unfortunately, a dirty air filter can cause up to a 10% increase in fuel consumption and emissions. You might also observe impaired car performance and an increase in engine wear.
Bad for Your Health:
Most of us roll up the windows when a big rig comes barreling down the highway, but we don’t think twice about the air we’re breathing when we’re stuck in traffic. A clogged engine air filter fails to filter the contaminants like mold spores and dust particles that can cause respiratory problems. If you have allergies, a dirty air filter can worsen your symptoms.
When Should You Replace Your Air Filter?
Most carmakers recommend replacing your engine air filter at least once a year or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. However, that’s not set in stone. You might be able to go a little longer between replacements if you live in a rural area and do most of your driving on the highway. Conversely, if you live in a dusty, dirty area or do a lot of stop-and-go driving in the city, you might have to replace your air filter more often.
Conclusion:
The bad news is that it can get nasty if you don’t replace your car’s air filter. The good news is that Mike Patton Ford, serving Glenn, GA, can help you with that.
We know how important it is for your car to breathe clean air, and our team of experts will make sure your vehicle’s filters are up-to-date and doing their job correctly. Schedule a service today!
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