Air filter is clogged inspection

Clogged Air Filters Don’t Let Your Engine Operate Correctly 

When we drive around in our cars, we are surrounded by fumes, vehicular exhaust, other contaminants, and roadside debris like dirt and dust. For the most part, we are protected from these hazards as we sit inside the safety of our vehicles. On the other hand, our car engines are at risk. However, with properly installed air filters engines can operate correctly.

Keep on reading to learn about the importance of car air filters, and how to replace them if they become clogged and dysfunctional.

What does a Car Air Filter Do?

For the most part, roads and highways can be dirty, unpleasant places. As drivers, we hardly notice it because we are protected by the body of the car and windows.

The engine on the other hand does not have the same level of protection from the same roadside debris. Over time, the engine and other critical components can become dirty and damaged, which affects their functionality.

The air filters on our cars help to defend the engine from roadside contaminants. They block dirt, dust, and other debris from entering the engine bay and damaging engine components.

5 Signs That Your Air Filter Is Clogged

When the air filters in your engine bay become clogged, they will begin to affect the performance of your car:

• Decreased gas mileage: a dirty air filter can decrease the gas mileage because the car needs to work harder.
• Engine misfires: cars cannot turn over without the proper air to fuel ratio.
• Atypical engine noises: a bad air filter could make the car hiccup, rattle or vibrate in an atypical fashion.
• Check engine light is on: with a clogged air filter, your car will experience air intake issues and an alert will turn the check engine light on.
• Reduced horsepower: sluggish acceleration is a result of a lack of airflow to the engine components.

How to Replace a Car Air Filter

Most car filters should be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. In particularly dirty areas, or cities with more cars, congestion, and smog, air filters could require service sooner than that.

Over time, if they are not replaced, car filters can become clogged. Clogged air filters can cause serious issues for the engine. If they become extremely clogged, they can completely fail and cause serious damage to the engine and other components.

When a mechanic replaces the air filter on your car, they will take the following steps:

1. They will remove the clogged filter and examine if any additional damage was caused to the engine
2. A replacement filter will be installed and fitted properly
3. The cover will be replaced, and the air filter will be sealed completely
4. The mechanic will start the car and see how it runs
5. A test drive may be required to assess that the engine is running correctly

The Cost for a New Air Filter

The good news is that replacing the air filter on your is a simple and inexpensive service. The exact cost of the maintenance will vary, based on:

• The year make and model of your car
• Your geographic location
• The local market prices for similar services

However, on average, replacing the air filters on your car will be between $56 and $63. The parts required for a new air filter run about $30, and the labor will cost between $27 and $34.