Here’s Lilianai’s tip on the importance of changing your vehicle’s filters:
Changing your car’s air filter is an important maintenance task that has a direct impact on your vehicle’s performance, fuel efficiency, and overall longevity. Here’s why you should change your air filter regularly:
1. Improves Engine Performance
Clean Air for Combustion: The air filter prevents dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine, ensuring that only clean air is mixed with fuel for combustion. Over time, the air filter can become clogged with dirt, restricting airflow to the engine. This can lead to poor engine performance, such as rough idling, sluggish acceleration, or hesitation when you press the gas pedal.
Optimized Fuel-to-Air Ratio: A clean air filter ensures that the engine gets the right amount of air. When the filter is clogged, the engine has to work harder to pull air in, which can cause inefficiency, reduced power, and increased strain on the engine.
2. Increases Fuel Efficiency
Efficient Airflow Means Better Mileage: When the engine receives a proper amount of clean air, it can burn fuel more efficiently. A dirty or clogged air filter reduces airflow, causing the engine to burn more fuel to compensate for the lack of air. By changing the air filter, you ensure the engine is operating at its peak efficiency, which can help improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and save you money at the pump.
Potential Fuel Savings: According to studies, replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10%, depending on driving conditions.
3. Prevents Engine Damage
Protects Engine Components: A clogged or dirty air filter allows dust and debris to bypass the filter and enter the engine. This can cause serious wear and tear on the engine’s internal components, such as the cylinders and pistons, leading to costly repairs.
Protects Sensors: In modern vehicles, the air intake system often includes sensors that monitor air quality and fuel mixture. A dirty air filter can cause these sensors to malfunction, leading to poor performance and increased emissions.
4. Improves Acceleration
Better Airflow for Faster Response: A clean air filter allows for smoother airflow, which can improve throttle response and acceleration. When the air filter is clogged, the engine may struggle to get enough air, causing sluggish or delayed acceleration when you press the gas pedal.
5. Reduces Emissions
Less Strain on the Engine: When the engine has to work harder due to a clogged air filter, it can lead to higher emissions. A clean air filter allows the engine to perform optimally and reduce the production of harmful gases like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, which helps meet environmental standards and lowers your vehicle’s carbon footprint.
6. Extends the Life of the Engine
Prevents Excessive Wear: Dirt and debris can cause premature wear on your engine if they are allowed to bypass the air filter. Changing the air filter regularly helps protect your engine from these particles, keeping it in better condition for longer.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Keeping your air filter clean can help prevent other problems that could result in expensive repairs, such as clogged fuel injectors or damaged engine parts. Regular air filter replacement is a cost-effective way to avoid larger maintenance issues.
7. Improves Cabin Air Quality
Helps with Cabin Air Filtration: While the engine air filter and the cabin air filter are separate components, they both work to keep the air clean. A clogged air filter can affect how your vehicle’s ventilation system operates. Keeping your engine air filter clean can help improve overall airflow in the vehicle, including the cabin, and can help maintain better air quality for passengers.
8. Prevents Overheating
Reduces Strain on the Engine: When the engine can’t get enough air due to a clogged air filter, it can cause overheating, especially during long drives or under heavy load conditions. By replacing the filter regularly, you reduce the risk of the engine getting too hot, which can lead to engine damage and other overheating-related problems.
The frequency of air filter changes depends on factors such as driving conditions, the type of air filter, and your vehicle’s make and model. However, general guidelines include:
Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles for standard driving conditions.
Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you often drive in dusty or polluted environments (e.g., off-road driving, city driving with heavy traffic).
Check the filter: You can visually inspect your air filter for dirt and damage. If it looks visibly dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement, even if you haven’t reached the recommended mileage.
Changing your car’s air filter is a simple and cost-effective way to maintain your engine’s performance, improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and protect your engine from damage. Regular air filter changes help ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely, while also extending the life of your engine. Keep track of your air filter’s condition, and replace it as needed to keep your car in top shape!
Schedule an appointment at Sport Mitsubishi now to have your filters changed.