5 Warning Signs Your Car’s Air Filter Needs Replacement
Is your vehicle feeling a bit sluggish lately? Are you making more frequent stops at the gas station? The culprit might be hiding right under your hood, a dirty air filter. At Carlsbad Auto Service we are huge advocates of preventative maintenance to ensure a healthy and reliable vehicle. Air filter inspection and replacement when needed are one of the cornerstones to vehicle health.
Why Air Filters Matter
Your car’s air filter is critical to preventing dust, debris, and contaminants from entering your engine. A clean filter ensures your engine receives the proper air-to-fuel ratio, optimizing performance while protecting vital engine components. But how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? Here are five telltale signs.
Sign #1: Reduced Fuel Efficiency
If you own an older vehicle and you are noticing reduced fuel mileage and more frequent fill-ups without a change in driving habits then your air filter might be to blame. A clogged filter restricts airflow to your engine sand reduces the efficiency of the combustion in your engine. The most dramatic impact is from older carbureted engines. Modern vehicles with computerized engine management systems do not suffer this same issue. A 2009 study performed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that a dirty air filter had no measurable affect on fuel economy.
Sign #2: Decreased Acceleration and Performance
A vehicle that hesitates or feels underpowered might be struggling to get air through a clogged filter. The same study referenced above that showed no impact to fuel economy on modern vehicles showed a 6%-11% increase in acceleration with a clean air filter. The study tested acceleration from 20 to 80 MPH and the difference was nearly 2 seconds between a clogged and a new air filter. This is definitely a difference you can feel when merging onto a freeway
Sign #3: Visual Inspection Reveals Dirt or Debris
Sometimes the simplest approach is the most effective. A visual inspection can quickly reveal if your filter needs replacement. A clean filter will appear white or off-white. If you see a dark gray or brown color and significant debris like sand or leaves then that is a good indication that you are ready for a new air filter.
Sign #4: Check Engine Light Illumination
Modern vehicles monitor the air-fuel mixture and may trigger the check engine light when detecting problems. In extreme cases the air restriction will be so bad from a clogged air filter that it will cause low air flow readings to the mass air flow sensors located directly behind the air filters. In this particular instance you will definitely have some drivability and performance issues. However, if you the reduction in acceleration and performance isn’t noticed then the check engine light is another way for your car to alert you to an issue.
Sign #5: Maintenance Due Message
Many modern vehicles come equipped with maintenance reminder systems that alert you when service is due. The maintenance due message can take multiple forms depending on the vehicle. Some will be a “Maintenance Due Soon” message on your vehicles dash or multimedia display. Others will specifically indicate “Replace Air Filter” in the maintenance menus. Another option is a generic warning light shaped like a wrench displaying that a maintenance service is due.
Keep Your Engine Breathing Easy in Carlsbad
Regular air filter maintenance is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to maintain your vehicle’s performance and efficiency. At Carlsbad Auto Service, we recommend checking your filter at your regular maintenance service appointments, with replacements typically needed every 10,000-15,000 miles depending on your driving conditions and vehicle make.
If you are noticing any of these signs or are just due for regular maintenance give us a call at (760) 729-1155 or schedule an appointment online. Our comprehensive vehicle inspection includes a thorough air filter check and we would love to help you keep all of your vehicle maintenance services up to date.