The most obvious sign that you need to switch out your car's air filter is a decrease in fuel efficiency. If you see black smoke or flames coming from the exhaust pipe, this is another indication that the filter needs to be changed. To check if the filter needs to be replaced, you can take a look at it. A clean, fresh filter will be mostly white, but it will darken as dust and dirt accumulates.
If the filter looks very dark and dirty, it may be time to switch it out. If you're not sure, you can ask a technician to inspect the filters for you. To remove the housing and examine the motor filter, start by taking off the housing. Initially, the filters are bright and clean white, so if the filter looks gray or even black and has enough dirt attached to it, it needs to be changed.
You'll usually need to replace the filter every 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers. Consult the manual for recommendations for your vehicle. Along with the smell of gasoline, the excess fuel that comes out of the exhaust pipe when there is a dirty or clogged air filter can ignite briefly or cause black smoke to escape through the exhaust pipe when the vehicle is started. 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 your car doesn't respond normally when you press on the accelerator, or feels a little “abrupt” when you press on it, you could probably use a new air filter. Once again, that rich fuel mix, which is the real problem with a clogged air filter, will appear when you start up your car.
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 filters can become dirty and clogged, which can negatively affect engine operation, so it's important to change them regularly. If the filter is blocked and not enough air enters the engine, the light can be turned on automatically. The easiest way to know when it's time to change your engine's air filter is to consult your owner's manual and follow their instructions for replacing the filter. However, sometimes there can be a significant build-up of dirt on the filter paper, so it is necessary for a mechanic to check the part to confirm that it is not working at its required level. If your car's air filter is clogged and lets less air through, this will reduce the potential energy available in your fuel proportionately. This means that you'll need more energy to squeeze it in the same way.
This is because a dirty filter prevents an adequate amount of air from reaching your spark plugs which can prevent them from producing adequate sparks and igniting your fuel. The air filter traps everything from small pieces of mud and debris that come off road surfaces to small insects or large pieces of pollen. If you notice that your car's fuel consumption has decreased or that there are black smoke or flames coming from your exhaust pipe, it might be time to change your car's air filter. You may also notice that your car doesn't respond normally when you press on the accelerator or that your house doesn't heat up as easily as it used to. Just like if you have a bad cold and your lungs are clogged, your engine can make its own unusual noises when it doesn't have enough air.
To make sure your car runs smoothly and efficiently again, come to Hansen Motors in Brigham City, Utah for an air filter change.
