Does Replacing Your Air Filter Make Your Car Run Better?

Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and improve acceleration, depending on the make and model of your car. It makes sense to regularly replace air filters, as it can increase fuel consumption by 15%, especially if you drive an old vehicle. One of the main reasons engine air filters tend to reduce engine power is dirt. Simply replacing the engine air filter can increase power and, in some cases, even improve mileage.

Therefore, it is recommended to change the engine filter at least once a year or what is recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. It's always best to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Replacing your engine air filter is an often overlooked maintenance item, but a dirty air filter can have a negative effect on your car's performance. The frequency with which the engine air filter will need to be replaced varies, as maintenance schedules for different vehicle brands differ in how often the air filter needs to be changed.

On most Chevrolet engines, for example, the recommended change interval is every 45,000 miles, but Ford says it should be done every 30,000 miles on many of its engines. Hyundai also says every 30,000 miles, but shortens it to 15,000 for “severe” driving conditions, including heavy traffic in hot climates and frequent driving on unpaved roads or dusty conditions. These rules will apply to other brands as well. If you drive in such conditions, it will often be necessary to replace the air filter before. You may be able to tell when a filter needs to be replaced just by looking at it.

If you find black areas in the section where outside air enters, it may be time to change it. The good news is that the air filters on most engines are easy to access and you can check the location in your owner's manual if you need help. If you can't tell by looking, but it's been more than three years or 30,000 miles, you should probably buy a new one (especially if you can save money doing it yourself). However, you should be careful if every time you change the oil, the repair shop says you also need a new air filter. We expect drivers, in most cases, to spend more than a year, at least, and probably more than two years between air filter changes, depending on conditions and mileage.

The truth about air filters is that changing them regularly can greatly improve the efficiency of filters both in your home and in your vehicle. Filters are measured using the Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) based on how well they can trap and retain smaller dirt and debris particles. Car air filters are designed to ensure an even and clean air flow in the engine, which aids in the combustion process. Air filters aren't expensive and aren't even too complicated for a normal car owner to understand. Clogged air filters can reduce airflow to the engine, literally drowning it out and, as a result, affecting the car's emission control systems, causing incorrect air-fuel mixing and spark plug ignition problems, which can lead to serious driving problems.

Changing your car's air filter regularly is just one way to keep you and your family safe from environmental pollutants and allergens. Simply cleaning the air filter and reinstalling it does not adequately protect your air conditioning system. If you are coughing and sputtering, or if you vibrate excessively when you turn the engine, you are most likely ordering a new air filter. When you take your car to the mechanic, they will be able to do a quick scan to see what is causing the problem and they will tell you if it's a problem with the air filter. The purpose of the engine air filter is to prevent dust, dirt and other environmental contaminants from entering the engine.

There is no need to replace an air conditioning filter in your car if you have already replaced the cabin air filter. If every time you change the oil, the repair shop says you also need a new air filter then it may be time for one. You may be able to tell when a filter needs to be replaced just by looking at it - if there are black areas in the section where outside air enters then it may be time for a replacement. The good news is that most engine filters are easy to access so if you need help then check your owner's manual for location information. The truth about air filters is that changing them regularly can greatly improve their efficiency both in your home and in your vehicle. Filters are measured using Minimum Efficiency Report Value (MERV) which measures how well they trap and retain smaller dirt and debris particles.

Car air filters are designed to ensure an even and clean airflow into the engine which aids in combustion process. Changing your car's air filter regularly is just one way of keeping yourself and your family safe from environmental pollutants and allergens. If you find yourself coughing or sputtering or vibrating excessively when turning on your engine then it may be time for a new one - take your car into a mechanic who will be able to do a quick scan of what is causing this problem.

Hannah Sawatzki
Hannah Sawatzki

Hipster-friendly pop culture maven. Hipster-friendly web practitioner. Infuriatingly humble bacon nerd. General social media fan. Hipster-friendly beer enthusiast.