What Is So Important About A Clean Air Filter?

I have been really surprised there have been so many people coming into our shop for an oil change, that have been told that their air filter really needed to be replaced, but have made the choice to leave with an extremely dirty air filter!  Their response is usually, “what is so important about a clean air filter?”  Apparently we haven’t done a very good job informing everyone how important it is to have a clean air filter on your vehicle.  

Every internal combustion engine requires a mixture of fuel and air to operate properly.  Without air (oxygen), the gasoline or diesel fuels can’t burn and provide the energy needed to power the engine.  The air that is used by the engine needs to be cleaned before it enters the engine, otherwise dirt, dust, and debris accumulates and can cause poor engine performance.  As dirt and dust are allowed in the engine, they rub on the essential metal parts of the engine causing them to wear away and eventually they will have to be replaced.  It costs a lot less to replace a dirty air filter regularly, than it does to replace  the parts of the engine it protects.

Also, modern engines depend on a precise air to fuel ratio in order to function properly.  When the engine is deprived of air, the ratio is compromised and that puts more stress on your engine.  A clean air filter allows just the right amount of air into our vehicles engine and also traps the dirt that can harm our engines.

Hopefully, this explains the importance of a clean air filter, but how often should they be replaced?  If you’re having the oil changed in your car and the technician says it needs to be replaced, don’t put it off.  Otherwise a good rule of thumb is to replace it every 8,000 miles.  This can vary depending on how hard the car is driven and under what conditions.  If your car is used mainly for stop and go, city driving, with a lot of construction going on, the air filter would need to be changed more frequently.  But if you hardly use your vehicle, than the air filter wouldn’t need to be replaced as often.  It’s always a good idea to check your owners manual to establish a good baseline.

For all of your Denver Auto Repair needs, trust Express Car Care. Call (303) 691-2760 or stop by our shop today.