Naturally, air filters must be replaced in the event of damage. However, to maintain the maximum possible performance of your car, it is recommended that you replace your air filter at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions. The ideal is to change your air filter every three months, however, there are certain factors to consider when determining when to change an old filter.
One of the easiest ways to detect a filter that needs to be changed is to take a look at it. A clean, fresh filter will be mostly white in color, but will darken as dust and dirt build up. If the filter looks very dark and dirty, it may be time to change it. If you're not sure about something, you can ask a technician to check your filters for you.
It won't break the bank and the money spent on your filter will soon be reimbursed on lower fuel bills, thanks to a better performing engine. Regardless of the HVAC system you have, each unit needs a properly tuned quality filter to keep indoor air quality clean and your unit operating at peak efficiency. Lower emissions: Unburned fuel and other particulate matter in exhaust gases increase when there is not enough air. Some manufacturers of newer car models have changed the engine design to make more efficient use of space, and sometimes that means placing air filters in more difficult to reach places, which can slow down the process. If the owner's manual says it's time to replace the filter, it's best to take care of the replacement, rather than waiting for you to start seeing other problems. However, many homeowners are unaware of how often air filters need to be replaced, leaving their system vulnerable to damage.
If you drive with a lot of traffic on a regular basis, the air filter won't last that long. If you answer yes to this question, you'll want to change your filter every 6 weeks to maintain the best indoor air quality. If you notice any sudden changes, such as slow performance when driving uphill or the car has difficulty reaching high speeds, the filter may be to blame for this. When you remove the air filter from the air handling unit, if you hold it close to a light source, you can see if the filter is dirty or clogged; if you can't see the light through the filter, it's definitely time to change it. One of the most common problems you'll encounter when you need to change your engine's air filter is decreased fuel consumption.
Air filter replacement can be part of a general tuning service that will help you get better mileage and performance out of your vehicle. A dirty filter can restrict airflow to the engine and, if the engine doesn't have enough air to run, it compensates by burning additional fuel. To locate the engine air cleaner housing, look for a large plastic housing, usually black, that sits above or to one side of the engine. As a general rule, most average drivers should be able to go a year or two before needing a new air filter. If you answer yes to any of the following questions - do I drive in dusty conditions? Do I drive with a lot of traffic? Do I notice any sudden changes in my car's performance? - then you'll want to replace your air filter more often than recommended.
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