Something is amiss with your car. Recently, you’ve noticed you’re not getting the same mileage you’re used to. And your car’s acceleration has taken a plummet, too… Could something be up? The simple answer: Yes! If you notice some of these signs, there’s a solid chance you haven’t been keeping up with your engine air filter changes. A solid engine air filter replacement schedule can be the difference between your car functioning at peak performance and catastrophic engine failure.
D & R Car Care is here to help you understand the importance of having an engine air filter replaced on time and without delay. We’ll be with you every step of the process and ensure your engine is running at its best by aiding you in checking and replacing your air filters. We’ll even inspect your filters when you schedule a service appointment with us.
The Importance of an Engine Air Filter
An engine air filter is a protective barrier that allows only clean air to enter your engine before combustion. This keeps particulate matter out of your engine and prevents issues from developing from debris gathering inside and damaging the cylinder walls and piston rings. An engine air filter is usually mounted at the front of the engine and differs from a cabin air filter.
The Impacts of a Dirty Filter
As you drive, your engine air filter will naturally get dirtier as it intakes fresh air and particulates. This is especially true if you often drive down dirt or gravel roads or through heavily polluted areas. As your filter grows dirtier, the amount of air that your engine can take in decreases, which can cause many different problems to arise if it is not adequately taken care of.
Such issues include:
- Reduction in gas mileage and efficiency
- Slowed acceleration
- Black smoke from exhaust fumes
- Engine misfires or knocking sounds
- Check engine light turning on
- Reduced horsepower
- Overheating, especially within hot climates
If you notice any of these problems, that’s a sign that your engine air filter might just be too dirty to function correctly and desperately needs a change. Failure to address this will lead to engine damage that will cost you more than you saved by delaying that quick trip to the service center for an engine air filter replacement. Instead, you might just be paying for a new engine replacement.
Checking & Changing an Engine Air Filter
Many different things can impact when you should have your engine air filter replaced. These things included:
- Car Make & Model
- Climate
- Driving Patterns
- Driving Environment
However, it’s generally advised that you bring your car in for an engine air filter replacement every 12 months or 12,000 to 15,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is only in case your driving patterns are average within a standard driving environment, which is rarely the case for many individuals. To avoid driving around with a dirty engine air filter for too long, it’s recommended that you have your engine air filter checked every 3 to 6 months. This can coincide with your annual four-point inspection or oil change.
The Benefits of Professional Engine Air Filter Replacement
While some places recommend saving a bit of cash by DIY-ing your engine air filter replacement, relying on a professional will always be worth the extra money. When you have a professional examine your engine air filter, they can also inspect it to see if any other damages need to be fixed that can’t be solved with a simple change in an air filter.
A professional can also ensure you’re getting the correct type of air filter for your vehicle. All air filters are not built equal. Some air filters only work in certain cars. Some air filters work better than others and can last longer for those whose driving conditions are abnormal enough to cause thinner air filters to grow ineffective sooner than 12 months.
The Statesboro Difference
What better professional could you rely on to ensure your engine air filter is replaced and your engine is functioning at its best? D & R Car Car is a full-service auto repair shop that has your back. We have been serving the Statesboro area and its surrounding communities since 2000, which is why our neighbors have trusted us with their cars for years.
Our fully certified and experienced mechanics will assist you with all your engine woes. If you’ve noticed a dip in fuel efficiency or strange noises from your engine, we’ll tirelessly inspect it to ensure that no damages go unnoticed after we’ve changed out your old, dirty filter. We’ll offer you the best choices of engine air filters on the market to ensure your car is protected against the particulates and debris that can damage your engine.
