From the time you start the car to the time you turn it off, the air filter is working. The function of the air filter is to supply enough air to the engine and clean the air from dust and pollution that can damage the engine. But the best filters also have expiration dates and work for a limited time. But how do we know when it's time to replace the filter? The most important factor is your driving conditions. If you are in a busy city with constant stops and movements, Or you drive on dirt roads, you need to replace the air filter faster than someone who only drives on clean roads sometimes. The air filter should be replaced every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. Ideally, it is better to change the oil along with the air filter. If you do not change the oil, be sure to check. It doesn't cost you much, and in some cases, it may prevent the next exorbitant expenses. Apart from these issues, the filters available in the market have different qualities and lifespans.
Signs that the air filter needs to be replaced:
▪️ Significant increase in fuel consumption
▪️ ignition problem, slow start or trouble starting
▪️ Ignition problem in the engine
▪️ Engine not working smoothly
▪️ The engine service light turns on
Reasons for timely replacement of car air filter:
1- Reducing fuel consumption: One of the biggest reasons for regular replacement of the car air filter is to reduce fuel consumption. According to some researches, changing the dirty air filter has reduced fuel consumption And it leads to 14% better performance of carbureted cars. Timely replacement of the air filter improves the acceleration of injection vehicles by 6 to 11 percent. Other studies have shown that this results in a 10% increase in mileage. That saves 15 cents per gallon of fuel. A clean air filter improves the air flow to the engine and increases its performance and reduces fuel consumption. 2- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: A dirty air filter reduces the flow of air entering the engine, which causes the engine to choke. Reducing the intake of clean air into the engine means more fuel is needed for the spark plug to be able to spark, which itself causes problems for the engine. Sparking the spark plug in this way causes pressure on the engine and even shuts it down, which leads to an increase in fuel consumption. Due to the combustion with a high percentage of fuel in the engine, your car will need service in a shorter time. Increasing the air intake flow to the engine makes it function properly, which results in lower fuel consumption and reduction of greenhouse gases. 3- Increasing the life of the engine: Regular and timely replacement of the air filter increases the life of the engine. Because this part prevents contamination from entering the engine and its important parts such as cylinders and pistons. The engine is damaged based on the entry of very small particles the size of grains of salt, the repair of which puts heavy costs on the car owner. 4- Being cheap and easy to replace: The air filter is one of the cheapest parts to replace and the car owner is also able to replace it. The most important point for changing the air filter by the car owner is choosing the correct air filter, which should be purchased based on the car model. In most of the new cars that are injectors, the air filter is located on top or next to the engine. The air filter is usually placed in a rectangular or square box with a cover that is closed by a screw or clip. In old cars that have carburetors, the air filter is circular and placed on top of the carburetor in a metal case that is protected by a nut.
5- easy follow-up:
Air filters should be replaced every 12 to 15 thousand miles (19 to 24 thousand kilometers).
Of course, if you live in an environment where there is a lot of dust in the air, this interval will be reduced.
In the booklet that is given to the car owner for maintenance, it is often mentioned when to change the air filter.
Although the air filter may still look clean after traveling the mentioned distance, it should be replaced.
Regular replacement of the air filter prevents damage to the engine and its main components.
Certainly, replacing the air filter, which has a cheap price, is much more economical than repairing the engine.