All fuel burning engines require a constant supply of air in order to function properly. Car engine air filters clean the air before it is passed through to the cylinders to prevent dust, dirt, grit, and other debris from causing any damage.
An air filter is like your nose as it filters out foreign particles before the air reaches your lungs, ensuring that the respiratory system can function properly.
There is no simple answer as to how often a car engine air filter should be changed. It depends on a number of factors such as the distance the vehicle has been driven and the environment it is driven in.
Vehicles driven in rural or dusty areas may need an engine air filter replacement more often. Alternatively, a filter that is more suited to particularly dusty areas can be purchased.
Read More: What Does a Car Engine Air Filter Do?
It is recommended that you check the engine air filter whenever an oil change or service is being carried out.
How to know when to replace the air filter
Here are some of the warning signs that can indicate the engine air filter needs to be replaced:
1. Black smoke from the exhaust
As explained above, a dirty air filter can reduce the amount of air getting to the engine. This will cause more fuel to be used in combustion, resulting in soot-like deposits being sent through to the exhaust system.
2. Rough engine noise
If the engine sounds like it is misfiring, it could be a result of the soot mentioned above accumulating around the spark plug, causing it to malfunction.
3. Poor fuel economy
Modern fuel-injected cars will become less efficient as it will limit the amount of fuel injected to the cylinder and hence, an appropriate fuel-air mixture will not be achieved. The engine then will have less power due to the lack of fuel and the driver will have to push the engine harder, which tends to increase fuel consumption.
4. Appearance of the filter
If the engine air filter is working properly, it will have some dirt on it. The trick is to know when it is dirty enough to be replaced. The best way to do this is by holding it up to a light. If the light can pass through the filter, then it is likely that air can pass through it.
How to change an air filter
Engine air filters are generally easy to check and replace as the air filter container is usually located on the top of the engine. In most cars, no tools are required to access the air filter as the covers are only clipped on. In some cases, a screw driver may be required. Consult the owner's manual to locate the air filter of your vehicle.
Of course, if you are not comfortable changing the engine air filter on your own, you can always take it to the dealership or a mechanic to get the job done. But if you want to take care of it yourself, changing your air filter is an easy procedure.
You obviously need to start by opening the hood and looking for the air filter housing. It usually resembles a large plastic breadbox-shaped container sitting above the engine. If it is an older vehicle, the air filter might be cylindrical or conical and will resemble a large cylinder or cone sitting atop the engine.
Air filter containers that are shaped like a breadbox will have either screws or clips holding it together, and can be taken apart with a screwdriver or breadknife. The conical and cylindrical filters are held on by a simple wing nut that can be easily unscrewed. Once the container is opened, it is as easy as popping out the old air filter and putting the new filter in its place.
Now, all you need to ensure is that all the parts are fitted/screwed back into their places and you are good to go.
