One of the easiest ways to detect a filter that needs to be changed is to take a look at it. If you notice dirt buildup, it's time to replace it. Most automotive companies recommend changing your air filter every 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every 12 months. However, if you drive in dusty or rural areas, it's a good idea to have your mechanic check and change it more often, for example, every 6,000 miles.
Driving in busy areas where there is a lot of traffic also requires you to replace the air filter more often. Additionally, most vehicles also have a cabin air filter that is used to clean the air entering the interior of the car, but it has a different maintenance program than an engine air filter. Another symptom that your engine is having trouble breathing can be found when you step on the accelerator pedal. If the car moves forward and doesn't move as smoothly as you normally recognize, check the air filter further for dirt buildup.
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Obtain the diagnostic code at your preferred workshop or service center, where they will give you reliable advice on how to change the filter. Replacing the air filter can improve acceleration or power by up to 11%. It also improves fuel economy by extracting every drop of available energy from the fuel. If you don't replace the filter, you could notice a reduction of up to 10% in fuel economy. A blocked air filter hinders the engine's ability to move through the fuel, and a lack of oxygen causes the fuel to linger and not burn completely.
This can cause a petrol smell. At the same time, the air cleaner must allow enough air to reach the engine so that it can operate effectively. Driving in dusty or rural locations can also cause air filter performance to decline more rapidly, so keep in mind that where you drive will affect its lifespan. If you drive with a lot of traffic on a regular basis, the air filter won't last that long. Air filter replacement can be part of a general tuning service that will help you get better mileage and performance out of your vehicle. So after 10 to 15 thousand miles, you'll have to replace the air filter (or sooner if you drive and live in very dusty areas).
A clean air filter has a white or off-white color, but as it collects dust and dirt, it will look darker.
