How a Dirty Air Filter Affects Performance

An air filter is a very important component of a vehicle’s engine. While often overlooked by many, the air filter allows an engine to breathe properly by constantly supplying the engine with clean air. If a driver does not bring their vehicle in for routine servicing, according to the maintenance schedule that is provided by their vehicle’s manufacturer, then they may forget to have their vehicle’s air filter replaced when a service is overdue. There are several ways in which a dirty engine air filter can affect the performance of a vehicle.

Improper Airflow

As a driver commutes with their vehicle, the air filter that is in the engine separates debris from the air that is sent into the engine. Over time, the filter begins to collect various amounts of debris, with different sizes, allowing the filter to become clogged. When an engine’s air filter is clogged with debris, air can struggle to pass through the filter into the engine. The engine, which uses both air and fuel to properly complete its combustion cycles, will then struggle to operate properly.

Decreased Fuel Economy

A clogged engine air filter can directly affect the fuel economy that a vehicle’s engine achieves. Every manufacturer designs and programs their engines to operate with specific amounts of air and fuel going into the engines. When a vehicle’s engine air filter is clogged, the ratio of fuel and air that goes into the engine is changed, forcing the engine to run out of sync with its original program. The engine may then compensate to run properly with less air. The effect of a clogged air filter on the fuel economy of an engine is experienced more with vehicles that are equipped with carbureted engines rather than fuel-injected engines. While not a practice that should be routinely done, fuel-injected engines can adapt well to changes in their air-to-fuel ratios.

Dirty Air Filter Symptoms

While you may not notice the subtle decrease in engine performance that a dirty air filter causes, your vehicle may give you several larger signs that its air filter needs to be replaced. These signs can be caused by a multitude of things, but your engine air filter is the first component that you should check once you experience the symptoms.

When your vehicle’s air filter needs to be changed, you may experience your vehicle running roughly. Engine misfires and violent vibrations can be caused by an air filter that is dirty and clogged. The clogged air filter may allow oil to burn improperly, thus contaminating the spark plugs of your engine with excess oil deposits. The oil deposits will prevent the spark plugs from igniting properly, leading to misfires and rough idling.

When your vehicle’s engine air filter needs to be changed, you may also hear popping noises or vibrations from the engine. These sounds are caused by misfires and other issues that can be a result of a clogged air filter. Check the vehicle’s air filter first if you repeatedly hear these noises.

A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn’t receiving enough air. After you scan the Check Engine code, making sure that the code isn’t for another problem, check your engine’s air filter to see if it is dirty.

Air Filter Maintenance Schedule

There are several factors that will play into how often you need to change your vehicle’s engine air filter, such as the cleanliness of the environments that you routinely drive in. However, the best air filter maintenance schedule for your vehicle is provided by its manufacturer in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Following the maintenance schedule that is recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer will allow you to stay within the confines of what your vehicle was designed for. You can also routinely check the condition of your vehicle’s engine air filter, making sure that it is light in color and free of debris.

Conclusion

If you would like to learn more about your vehicle’s air filter, when it should be serviced, or how else it may be affecting the performance of your vehicle, contact us. We provide dependable vehicle services at Jessup Auto Plaza and will be glad to provide more information to you about engine air filters. Feel free to visit us as well if you would like to have your vehicle serviced and your vehicle’s engine air filter replaced.

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