If your air filter is unclean, it will prevent your engine from “breathing” as freely as it should, which will result in a decrease in the performance of your vehicle.
The real answer to the question of how frequently you should change your air filter is “when it’s dirty.”
Although the maintenance schedule for your vehicle has probably included mileage and occasionally time intervals for changing the air filter in your engine, the real answer is simply “when it’s dirty.” Additionally, thankfully, that is not too difficult to ascertain.
Problems a Dirty Air Filter Can Cause
If your air filter is dirty, you may experience a number of issues, such as a decrease in power (especially if you have a turbocharged engine), strange noises coming from the engine, black smoke coming out of the exhaust, and a decrease in fuel economy.
If the problem is severe enough, it may even prevent the engine from starting, or it may cause the check-engine light or the service engine soon light to illuminate.
It is possible that the most effective technique would be to inspect the filter on a regular basis rather than merely replace it at certain intervals. This is due to the fact that the air that is being filtered might range from extremely clean to extremely dirty.
When to Change Your Engine Air Filter
In contrast to oil filters and fuel filters, the usable life of an engine air filter (which is distinct from the cabin air filter) is highly variable and is mostly determined by the environment in which the vehicle is driven over the course of its lifetime.
In addition, in contrast to oil and fuel filters, which consist of “filtering” material that is normally contained within a container that is sealed, an engine air filter can be removed from its container with relative ease for the purpose of examination.
In spite of the fact that the maintenance plan for the majority of vehicles specifies a mileage interval for air-filter replacement that is typically between 30,000 and 45,000 miles (although there may also be a time interval), many of these vehicles additionally contain a lower mileage interval for “severe service.” A typical example of this would be traveling frequently in high traffic during hot weather, on roads that are not paved, or in conditions when there is a lot of dust.
The risk of mice entering the housing and clogging the filter with their nesting materials is yet another “life-shortening” scenario that could come up.
Changing the air filter more frequently is a common recommendation made by service facilities; nevertheless, this may be nothing more than a ruse with the intention of transferring additional funds from your wallet to theirs.
In spite of the fact that it does not cause any harm to change it more frequently — unless a filter of poor quality is being used — it does add an unneeded price.
In most instances, you will be able to do an inspection of the engine air filter on your own without too much difficulty.
Air filters in current automobiles are more likely to be cylindrical or flat, and they are housed in a rectangular plastic box at the forward corner of the engine compartment.
In the past, air filters were often round rings that were contained in a round metal canister that was located on top of the engine. Should the housing that houses the filter not be readily apparent, you should be able to locate it by consulting the owner’s handbook or conducting a search on the internet with the phrase “Where is the air filter on my [year/make/model]?” There are clips that hold certain housings together, whereas others are kept together by screws.
In spite of the fact that the filters themselves are sometimes referred to as “paper filters,” they are really made of a specific kind of paper that allows air to pass through while also capturing dirt and dust. It is possible that some of them have a layer that resembles foam on one side, which is designed to prevent bigger debris from clogging the filter.
The filter paper is normally white when it is first manufactured, therefore anything that appears to be dirty is most likely unclean. Another warning indicator is the presence of black smudges on the paper.
Holding the filter up to a light source in such a way that the filter is wedged between your eyes and the light is a frequent method of testing. The filter is presumably in good condition if you are able to see light passing through it without any difficulty.
Nevertheless, if the filter is one that includes a pad that resembles foam on one side, then this won’t work unless the pad can be removed without much difficulty. I would like to bring to your attention the possibility that the air filter in your vehicle is constructed from a foam-like substance that can be washed and reused. However, it is highly probable that these air filters were replaced by the original filter by a previous owner.
Every time you get your oil changed, you should check your air filter a few days before the change. If it is dirty, you will have the opportunity to purchase and replace the filter on your own before taking it to the shop for the oil change.
This will allow you to save some money compared to having them do it, or at the very least, you will be able to determine whether or not it is required to replace the filter if they would recommend it. You will be aware that you need to purchase an air filter at the same time that you purchase the oil if you are charging the oil yourself.
Q&A
Q: What’s an easy way to help keep your engine running smoothly?
A: Take care of the engine air filter! In order to assist you in maintaining your air filter, here is a quick question and answer session.
Q: What does the engine air filter do?
A: In order for your engine to function properly, it needs a significant quantity of air. The filter serves to ensure that the air is clear of dirt, insects, and other particles that could potentially be sucked into the intake system of your vehicle.
In addition to causing the engine warning light to illuminate, a blocked filter can also cause the vehicle to accelerate more slowly than usual. (Doesn’t it irritate you when that light turns on?)
Q: Do you know how often to change the car air filter?
A: In most cases, it should be inspected once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, however this can change depending on the manufacturer of the vehicle and the conditions under which it is used.
There is a possibility that you will need to change it more frequently if you routinely travel over dusty terrain or on roads that are not paved. In order to obtain the information for your car, you need consult the owner’s manual. You don’t have a manual. Oh, no issue! It will be a pleasure for a Jiffy Lube® technician to obtain the recommendations that the manufacturer has provided for your vehicle.
Q: How will you know it’s time to replace the engine air filter?
There are occasions when it is possible to tell just by looking. Take off the hood and locate the housing for the air filter. More often than not, it is a black plastic box that is situated adjacent to the engine. The precise position can be found in the owner’s manual of your vehicle.
Examine this housing by opening it up, taking out the old filter, and examining it visually. When you notice particles of debris in the spaces between the pleats, it is time to replace the air filter in the engine.
Q: Are there different types of engine air filters?
A: Yes. Despite the fact that paper filters are the most prevalent, they are intended to be thrown away after use. There is a possibility of cleaning and reusing gauze filters, which will result in decreased costs over time.
For assistance in selecting the appropriate engine air filter replacement, see the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle, or consult a Jiffy Lube specialist.
Q: Last but not least, can Jiffy Lube replace the engine air filter?
A: Without a doubt! Bringing your vehicle to any of the more than 2,000 Jiffy Lube stores is all that is required.
The professionals are enthusiastic about this kind of work and will be pleased to assist you in determining how frequently you should change the air filter in your vehicle. After that, they will replace the filter with a brand new one, in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
How Often Should You Change the Engine Air Filter? – Arsalbase.com