Air Filter: A Brief Introduction

The car air filter is a tiny pleated device located beneath the glove box that filters the air before it reaches the car's interior. The air from outside is sent through this filter, where all impurities are eliminated to provide you with clean, filtered breathing air. However, if the air quality begins to deteriorate or you notice an unpleasant odour, it is a sign that the air cleaner of the car needs to be replaced.

Role Of Air Filters In Maintaining Air Quality Inside Car

Have you ever wondered why you were ill inside your car? It is entirely due to the minute dust particles contained within the automobile that are not visible to us. As a result, air filters in cars are required to remove such dust particles before they reach the cabin. They do, however, play an important function. Let us have a look.

There are numerous particles present in the air such as mold spores, dust or pollen which when entering the car disturbs the rider and the passengers, and also makes the car appear dusty from the inside. Thus, the air filter’s replacement removes such kinds of dusty stuff, making the air fresh and breathable.

The air is passed ten times through the filters to make it pure and toxin-free. It also gets hold of debris, rodent faeces, leaves or any other material which might give an unpleasant indoor smell.  

Why You Should Change the Air Filter of Your Car Regularly

An air filter is an important element of the car's engine that is both easy and vital to maintain as per the reduced performance by the bad air filter of the car. So, let's look at the primary reasons why a car's air filter has to be updated or changed.

• Enhanced fuel efficiency

When the unclean air filter is changed with a clean one, the acceleration and thus the fuel economy improves. In reality, the air filter has a direct relationship with the engine of the automobile.

Also Read: How To Increase Fuel Efficiency By Hypermiling

• Reduced emissions

If the air filters are unclean or damaged in any way, the air-fuel balance of the automobile is disrupted, which can cause a variety of problems within the vehicle, such as a rough engine, spark plugs, and increased depositions on the engine. It also has an influence on exhaust emissions, causing more and more pollution.

Warning Signs That You Should Not Ignore About Air Filter 

The automobile engine requires a suitable amount of air and gasoline to function properly. However, with regular air input, the air filter might get clogged, unclean, and other issues, which must be addressed promptly or the engine would suffer greatly. But how can you know when it's time to replace your automobile air filter?

• Discolored Filter

Why don't you just check the air filter? If you discover it in a grey or dark tint, it's very evident that it's time to change it because it's now covered with debris. If you don't know how to perform it, you can hire a professional or a mechanic.

• Noises from the Engine

An automobile obviously creates a lot of noise over time, but not every sound is a cause for alarm. However, noises created when the engine is idle, such as popping, may indicate that the filters need to be changed.

Also Read: Car Noise That You Should Never Ignore

• Low average or poor performance

Who regularly switches cars? Well, a car is now a must and must be taken everywhere, even uphill. So, if the automobile fails to drive uphill or maintain a high speed, it might be due to a clogged air filter impeding acceleration.

Ideal Time To Change Air Filter - Spring Season

Spring is said to be the best time to change the filters since the automobile runs faster than usual during this season. There is a lot of dust and pollen all around, which may cause your car's performance to suffer if your air filters are not replaced. After all, clean air filters help the engine run more efficiently and provide you with clean, fresh air to breathe while driving.

How Often Should You Need To Change An Air Filter?

Every vehicle has a unique maintenance plan, which is generally determined by when the air filter has to be replaced. However, it also depends on how frequently you drive your automobile. Cars with 12000 to 15000 miles on the clock should have their air filters replaced as soon as feasible. Other symptoms include low mileage, filth inside the car, low engine efficiency, and driving for longer than recommended in the owner's handbook. However, when it comes to luxury cars or pre owned luxury cars, you have to be quite handy while checking and replacing the air filter. 

Step-By-Step Guide To Change Air Filter Of Car

Changing the air filter is a simple operation. This can be done by the individual. However, if you are unfamiliar with all of this, we recommend that you contact a specialist or take your automobile to a repair shop. If you want to attempt it on your own, here are the simple four steps to changing the air filter.

Step 1: Find out the air filter in the car's engine.

Step 2: Once you see the filter, remove its lid and the filter can be taken out easily.

Step 3: Check the housing and clean the filter

Step 4: If more wear and tear, then go for a replacement of the air filter.

Also Read: A Detailed Guide To Change Car Air Filter By Yourself

Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Changing Air Filter

• Placing in the wrong direction

Usually, the newbies may reinstall the air filter in the wrong direction which may disfunction it. Thus, take care while you are removing it and placing it back again.

• Not cleaning it frequently

If you are travelling long distances on a regular basis, then it is your duty to clean it frequently otherwise you will experience dirt and low mileage.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to change the air filter?

Yes, it is necessary for car AC filter replacement from time to time to keep the car functioning in a better way. However, you should also keep a regular hold on the cabin air filter replacement cost as for some cars, it can be expensive on a regular basis. 

2. What is the benefit of changing the air filter regularly?

Changing the air filter regularly will provide you with better mileage, clean air and an effective engine which will make your car function for a longer time. 

3. Why change the air filter in spring?

During the spring there are lots of pollen and dirt around which might stick to your car in a heavy amount, thus affecting the air filters. 

4. How to test the quality of an air filter?

The Coarse Test Dust is used to check the air filter’s quality which can remove particles of less than 55 microns to 176 microns.

5. Can I change the air filter of my car myself?

A few steps are to be followed to change the air filter which has been mentioned above. However, what’s important is to know the way to place the filter back. 

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