How Often Should You Change Your Car's Air Filter?

The cost of changing your car's air filter will vary depending on the type of filter you purchase. It is recommended that you replace your engine filter more frequently if you are driving in a polluted area or near the desert, as the air your engine is trying to suck in is likely to be contaminated. To access it, simply release the box by pressing a tab on each side and remove the old filter. Air filters not only clean the air that the engine breathes, but they also help maintain a constant and optimal fuel and air pressure for more efficient combustion. In addition, changing the air filter will extend the life of your engine, saving you money on repairs.

Replacing your air filter regularly is an easy way to improve your car's performance and will save you money in the long run. As the name implies, a clean one will filter out dirt, dust, pollen and other types of contaminants. The air introduced into the car mixes with the fuel in the combustion chambers, so it must be clean; if dirt or other debris gets into the engine and engine oil, it could damage the cylinder walls, piston rings, and other parts. Most filters are rectangular in shape, but older vehicles usually have a round or donut-shaped air filter. The engine check light may come on, especially if the engine fails to start or indicates a lean condition, indicating that the mass air flow sensor is dirty or has failed completely.

An independent test of a Subaru Crosstrek found that a performance filter added 4 horsepower (just over 2%) compared to an original equipment filter and improved its acceleration from 20-60 mph by 0.2 seconds of gain that would probably not be noticeable in everyday driving. It ensures that only clean air enters the engine, without dust or debris that could damage the sensors or the engine itself. As the name implies, an engine air filter filters the air that enters the engine and traps dust particles, sand, dirt, and other debris that could damage engine parts. In acceleration races from 20 mph to 80 mph, the Charger was 6% slower with a clogged filter than with a clean one, the Camry was 7% slower and the Lucerne was 12% slower. The cost of changing your car's air filter alone shouldn't be expensive, as it's a very basic routine care for your vehicle. Also, if you often drive in dirty or dusty conditions, check your air filter more often than recommended and change it as needed.