The most obvious sign that your car's air filter needs to be replaced is a decrease in fuel efficiency. If you notice black smoke or flames coming from the exhaust pipe, this is another indication that your filter needs to be changed. One of the easiest ways to spot a filter that needs to be changed is to look at it. A clean, fresh filter will mostly be white, but it will darken as dust and dirt builds up.
If the filter looks very dark and dirty, it might be time to change it. If you're not sure about something, you can ask a technician to check the filters for you. Most auto companies recommend changing the air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles, or every 12 months. However, if you normally drive in dusty or rural areas, such as Scottsdale, Arizona, or San Antonio, Texas, you may want your mechanic to check and replace it more often, such as every 6,000 miles.
If you drive in busy, heavily trafficked areas, such as Los Angeles and Washington D. C., which causes you to stop and start more often, you also need to change your air filter more often. Most vehicles also have a cabin air filter that is used to clean the air that enters the interior of the car, but this one has a different maintenance program than the engine air filter. In addition to cleaning your filters regularly, you should consider the most common signs that an air conditioner filter needs to be replaced; here are five of the most common:1.Decrease in Fuel Consumption
If your car's fuel consumption has decreased significantly, it could be a sign that your air filter needs to be replaced. The air filter is designed to trap dirt and mud and, at the same time, allow clean air to enter the engine, which then burns with the fuel before being expelled through the exhaust system.
If the filter is blocked and not enough air enters the engine, the light can be turned on automatically.
2.Black Smoke or Flames from Exhaust Pipe
If you see black smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe, ask your mechanic to replace or clean the air filter. An inadequate air supply can cause carbon deposits (the by-product of combustion) to build up in the engine and the engine control light to come on.
3.Darkened Filter
One of the easiest ways to spot a filter that needs to be changed is to look at it. A clean, fresh filter will mostly be white but it will darken as dust and dirt builds up. If the filter looks very dark and dirty, it might be time to change it.
4.Abrupt Movement
If your car is moving abruptly forward and not moving as smoothly as you would normally recognize, check the air filter more closely to see if there is any build-up of dirt.
Over time, the air filter can become dirty and clogged, and a lack of air can affect the car's overall performance.
5.Engine Control Light
Newer cars with fuel injection engines use on-board computers to calculate the amount of air entering the engine and adjust the fuel flow accordingly. If this system is not working properly due to a blocked air filter, then this could cause an engine control light to come on. Engine air filters prevent harmful debris from damaging components crucial for the car to run smoothly. At the same time, they must allow enough air to reach the engine for it to work effectively. You won't go broke replacing your air filter regularly; in fact, it will soon pay for itself in lower fuel bills thanks to a better-performing engine. Our certified mobile phone mechanics make home visits in more than 2000 U.
S., so you can get your car repair done quickly and conveniently with free online quotes.
