Combustion engines rely on air to operate, and a faulty air filter can suffocate a vehicle. This can lead to major problems in the future. Fortunately, dirty air filter symptoms are easy to identify once you know what to look for. Engine misfires, rough idling, and hard starts can be attributed to a clogged engine air filter. The dirty air filter restricts air supply to the engine, causing unburned fuel to form a soot residue that accumulates in the spark plug.
This fouls the spark plug (s) and decreases its ability to produce the spark needed for the combustion process. Changing the affected air filter and spark plugs will restore your engine's performance. Whether it's due to a low coolant level or a dirty air filter, you shouldn't drive your vehicle if the engine overheats. Excessively high temperatures can cause catastrophic damage to your vehicle's engine. Therefore, if you see the needle on your dashboard rising towards the red zone, stop and turn off the ignition immediately.
The air filter prevents air pollutants from entering your car's engine. It is a paper filter that stops debris such as dust, leaves and stray pelicans before they enter the engine and cause damage. Because, eventually, the air filter will clog. If the air filter becomes too dirty or clogged, the engine will not be able to draw enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will run at full capacity (that is, when this happens, your car will lose power and run abruptly).
The Check Engine light may also come on. If you really neglect the air filter for a long time, your car may stop working completely. While permanent damage is unlikely to occur, it is possible. If an air filter were sufficiently dirty and damaged, it could allow harmful and abrasive contaminants to enter the combustion chamber. If you operate your car in severe working conditions, such as frequent driving on dirt roads or driving a lot around the city, you should cut the recommended service intervals for air filter inspection and replacement by half.
A clogged air filter can be avoided by changing the air filter approximately every 12,000 miles, depending on driving habits. A new air filter is white or off-white, while a dirty air filter will appear darker with visible dirt and debris. Make sure your mechanic checks the air filter when you leave your car for service and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding air filter replacement.Like the air filters in your home, your vehicle's air filter can become clogged with all kinds of debris. Over time, the engine air filter can become dirty and lose its ability to filter air entering the engine.
One of the best and easiest improvements you can make to your vehicle is to buy a reusable air filter, such as a K&N filter. Air filter contributes to fuel efficiency, but a dirty filter can reduce oxygen flow. To prevent this from happening, automotive experts recommend replacing filters every 12,000 miles or 12 months, but always remember to consult your owner's manual for details of your vehicle's air filter replacement programs. Note that the inner layers of filter paper inside the air cleaner may have no visible debris or dust and dirt, even in bright light. Whether or not to clean an air filter depends on the type of air filter you use in your car.
While manufacturers vary in their recommendations for how often the air filter should be changed, if you notice any of these signs that the air filter is dirty, it's time for them to inspect it. Therefore, for safe and optimal performance of your engine, make sure to address dirty air filter symptoms immediately and always have a clean air filter in place...
