A car combustion engine depends on three things: fuel source, spark plugs and air. For diesel engines, we can exclude the spark plugs. Air filters act as a defensive layer that prevents contamination of the air from entering the engine.
After a period of time, you will need to change your car’s air filter as it gets clogged with dirt. On average, you will need a replacement after around 19000 – 24000 km (10,000 to 15,000 miles). However, such a number depends on the environment and daily vehicle activities, as constant traffic and dry climates conditions can expedite dust and dirt accumulation on air filters.
When to Change a Car’s Air Filter
A clogged air filter can reduce the car’s engine efficiency and should be replaced accordingly. There are various indicators that direct towards a choked air filter. The following is the list of some common signs that require you to change your car’s air filter.
Dirty Air Filter
The first and key indicator is the physical appearance of the air filter itself. The air filter is usually located near the engine components, under the hood. You will need to remove the upper cover which can easily come off by removing its fasteners, clamps or screws.
A dirty air filter will look dark and grimy as opposed to a new white air filter. Dirt accumulation along the filter paper is a prime indicator of a clogged filter and will require a replacement.
Reduced Fuel Economy and Engine Power
A clogged engine air filter means less air is able to pass the chamber for fuel mixing. Lack of air and improper mixing will reduce the energy from the fuel combustion. Hence, your car will be using more fuel.
In addition to low fuel economy, improper combustion will also lead to reduced engine power. The feeling is recognizable if acceleration is not smooth or the engine misfires
Sooty Spark Plug
As a dirty air filter leads to an improper mixture of fuel and air, the irregular combustion deposits carbon soot on the spark plug. This will affect the overall gas mileage and acceleration of the car as the spark plug is unable to ignite properly.
Hence, you will need to clean the spark plugs with gasoline or alcohol to rub off the carbon soot and replace the dirty air filter for proper pre-mixing of fuel and air.
Check Engine Light
The check engine can turn on due to many reasons and air filters might be just one of the reasons. Since it is hard to diagnose the problem on its own, you will need to visit an auto technician to run a scan and detect the problem.
Fuel Smell
A blocked car engine air filter creates a rich fuel mixture due to a lack of air. This leads to fuel odours because of unburned fuel leaving the exhaust system. Apart from a dirty air filter, fuel smell can also be due to leakage in the fuel system or problem with fuel regulators. Nonetheless, you will probably need a visit to a professional for a proper diagnosis.
Darken Exhaust
The rich fuel mixture due to a dirty air filter leaves fuel traces when exiting via the exhaust. This leaves residual unburnt fuel in the form of sooty smoke. Sometimes the leftover fuel particles can even ignite due to hot exhaust temperature, creating small explosions and backfire.
Cost of Changing Car Air Filter
Car air filters come in a great variety ranging from cheaper versions to premium aftermarket ones. On average, it will cost around AED 70 to AED 100 for a standard air filter. Of course, the premium and reusable air filters can cost over AED 1000 to AED 3000.
The reusable air filters are usually more expensive than disposable ones. However, the higher cost gets compensated as the filter can be used multiple times.
Changing your car air filter usually takes a few minutes. You can even do it yourself if you know the right air filter model. The first step is to pop the hood and locate the filter compartment. Open the cover and inspect the air filter. If the filter looks worn or dirty, replace it with a new one.
If the filter looks fine and you encounter the aforementioned signs, then the problem lies somewhere else in the engine. This will require a professional inspection and diagnostic scan to find the root cause.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if you run a car without an air filter?
Running a car without an air filter will allow contaminants like dust, debris or dirt particles to get sucked into the engine. This can potentially damage the engine components including pistons and cylinder wall and negatively impact the overall engine performance. Environmental conditions like driving along off-road trails can play an important role in expediting the damage.
Can you clean the disposable air filter?
Disposable and reusable air filter, both can be cleaned for reuse. However, reusing disposable air filters is not recommended as the filter can trap small residual particulates into its pore overtime, reducing its effectiveness.
Changing your car’s air filter is not a time-consuming task and will take a simple visual inspection in case there is any of the signs listed above. On average, air filters will need a change after every 15000 miles, which is roughly equal to every year. However, environmental factors may lead to a shorter life span for the filter.
For affordable air filters options and other automotive parts, check out auto accessories for sale in the UAE. Stay tuned to our auto blogs for more information on car parts, market trends, repairs and more.
Stay tuned to our auto blogs for more information on car parts, market trends, repairs and more.
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