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Auto Transport Tips: Tell-tale Signs That You Should Change Your Car’s Air Filter
Auto Transport Tips: Tell-tale Signs That You Should Change Your Car’s Air Filter
The air filter is one of the most crucial parts of a vehicle. It is responsible for keeping contaminants, debris, and dirt from entering the engine. If the car’s air filter is full of dirt, it may not allow enough clean air into the engine, which may strain it. It also affects the emission system of the car.
It is usual that we change a car’s air filter for every 15,000 miles or every 12 months. However, it is best to check your car’s manual for its specific schedule of changing the air filter. Replacing the air filter can save you a lot of money compared to car servicing due to neglect.
It is pretty easy to know when to change the air filter if you have the manual and the knowledge about cars. But, what if you lost the owner’s manual? What if you are a new car owner?
Air Filter
These are a few simple steps that you can follow to determine when it is time to change your vehicle’s air filter:
The normal workings of a vehicle’s car filter is by sucking in air from the outside, filtering any contaminants, and then letting the clean air into the engine. The absence of car filter can affect the car’s performance and may shorten the car’s lifespan. Dirt and dust from the outside can damage the metal parts, piston rings, engine bearings, and cylinders.
Modern day vehicles are programmed to run on an exact air to fuel ratio. If the engine is lacking in air, it may work harder than usual. Thankfully, the air filter keeps this fuel to air ratio well-maintained.
It is also good to note that changing air filter also rely on the condition of the car, whether it is new or old, or driven on a day to day or weekly basis.
Now, we will head off to the main course.
Decreased Acceleration
Decreased Acceleration
You will notice that the vehicle is acting up when you step on the accelerator. Slow acceleration and cranking sounds could be because there is not enough air entering the engine.
Decreased Gas Mileage
Decreased Gas Mileage
Do you notice that you are filling up the fuel tank more frequently than usual? It could be caused by a clogged air filter. Neglecting this may affect the fuel efficiency of your car in the long run.
Black Smoke Emission
Smoke Emission
This one means that you need to meet up with your mechanic right away. Dark emissions mean that the fuel is not burning properly and it is going through the exhaust pipe. You can also notice that there is a reek of gasoline when you ignite the engine.
Trouble in Ignition
Trouble in Ignition
Do you find yourself turning the car key more than once before the engine starts? Well, you may actually have a dirty air filter. The contaminants entering the engine may pollute the spark plugs which prevents it from igniting properly. You may also notice that the car is making weird noises.
Check the User Manual
User Manual
Though it is usually every 12,000 to 15,000 miles before you need to replace the air filter, it is better to check the car’s user manual. Different cars have different specifications. If the manual says to change the filter already, do so before even encountering the other signs.
It is better to change the air filter earlier when you are driving in the dusty or sandy area. As a rule of thumb, change your car’s air filter every 6,000 miles. It is less expensive than having to bring the car for a major repair.
Engine Light Turns On
Engine
A dirty air filter can cause the engine parts to work improperly. See if the air filter is still clean. It is normally white or off white. When you see that it is grey or dirty, it is time to replace it with a new one.
Inspection
Air Filter
If you are doubting your own capability to check the integrity of your car’s air filter, you can bring it to a professional auto mechanic. Experts recommend changing it every 3,000 miles for best results. It is good to change it along with changing the oil.
Replacing the air filter is not major car maintenance. It is less expensive compared to the damage it can do when you neglect it. Car filter is responsible for your vehicles running condition. It is wise to change it regularly to save money and time on car servicing.
Air Filter
We hope that we have shared another valuable set of information with you. Stay tuned for more by visiting our blog and our social media channels. If you like this post, feel free to share it with your friends and family to read. You can also leave your comments below.
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