A dirty engine air filter can cause a variety of symptoms that can affect the performance of your vehicle. Flame or black smoke from the exhaust pipe, engine misfires, rough idling, and hard starts can all be attributed to a clogged engine air filter. This is because 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.
Without a proper air intake, the fuel mixture will be too rich in fuel, so it will not burn properly and the engine will be deprived of the oxygen it needs. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 12,000 miles (approximately 19,000 km) or every 12 months, whichever comes first. However, you should consider replacing your air cleaner more often if you live in an agricultural area or in any area with a lot of dust or impurities in the air. Inadequate air supply can cause carbon deposits to build up on the engine, which will eventually activate the engine check light. If the light comes on, check the air filter to see if it needs to be replaced before performing other diagnostics.
It is generally recommended to replace the engine air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or every 12 months. But if you drive in dusty or crowded areas where traffic is heavy, causing you to stop and start frequently, change it more often, every 6,000 miles. Shortness of breath can also impair the performance of your vehicle, causing slow acceleration. If you notice that your car responds slower than usual or moves abruptly when accelerating, this could indicate that your engine is not getting all the air it needs to run. Replacing the air filter can improve acceleration or power by up to 11%.Most vehicles also have a cabin air filter that is used to clean the air entering the interior of the car, but it has a different maintenance program than an engine air filter.
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. A clogged air filter can be avoided by changing the air filter approximately every 12,000 miles, depending on driving habits. Whether or not to clean an air filter depends on the type of air filter you use in your car. A new air filter is white or off-white, while a dirty air filter will appear darker with visible dirt and debris. Whenever your air filter appears dirty, or starts to look black or gray and dirty, it's probably time to buy a new one. 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. Make sure your mechanic checks the air filter when you leave your car for maintenance and follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding replacing the air filter.
