The experts at Team Gillman Mazda will happily let you know the indicators of a dirty engine air filter.
A worn engine air filter could cause several problems with your car. The initial item that you might see would be lower MPGs. A dirty air filter makes the engine work harder than necessary, and in turn, that means more fuel is being consumed. Along with worse fuel efficiency, you may see worse performance, engine misfires, and even a Check Engine Light. If you let it go too long, you could even notice smoke coming out of the mufflers, and in severe cases, the engine may stall. To ensure that your engine is functioning properly, drivers should periodically check and replace the air filter when necessary. In lots of cases, replacing an engine air filter can be added as part of the routine maintenance schedule, which generally includes oil changes, timing belts (or timing chains), and transmission fluid flushes. Keeping your vehicle in prime condition can result in extra years of service.
An air filter is a safety precaution that filters out contaminants like dirt or even rocks before they enter the engine and potentially cause harm. Even small pieces of dirt and debris can reduce engine performance and cause damage. Engines are built with specially-calculated air-fuel mixture ratios to provide optimal performance. If your engine has a bad air filter, it can negatively affect those calculations. Replacing failing engine air filters provides cheap insurance to help make sure your engine runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Several factors will determine the lifespan of your engine air filter. The engine size, how you drive, and even the weather can play a role in how long your air filter might last. If you live in a dusty climate, then the air filter needs to be replaced more frequently than a vehicle that lives in a garage for most of the year. Ultimately, each manufacturer will have its own unique replacement schedule.
Similar to the replacement interval, the cost of replacing a failing air filter can vary depending on the size of the engine, vehicle manufacturer, and age of the vehicle. As consumers, there are lots of options to purchase air filters in auto parts stores and online, we strongly recommend buying and installing the unique air filter made by the manufacturer for your car. Overall, the cost of the air filter is rather small, but regular replacement can add to the longevity of the engine.
Team Gillman Mazda is one of the most trusted places to get Houston auto service and repair. If your vehicle is showing signs of needing a new engine air filter, visit us in person or online to schedule a service appointment. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to serve you no matter your vehicle's make and model. Drive a little. Save a lot. That's the Team Gillman Advantage.
