A clean air filter is essential for your car's performance and longevity. It serves as an air purifier, trapping harmful contaminants and debris from the outside before they can enter the cab. Over time, as dust and dirt build up, the air filter will darken and dirt will be noticeable. When it starts to look dark and dirty, you may need to look for a replacement.
Replacing your engine air filter is an often overlooked maintenance item, but a dirty air filter can have a negative effect on your car's performance. A new air filter will increase fuel consumption, reduce emissions, allow optimal airflow and improve engine performance. It also helps to keep the engine free of dirt and block smog and exhaust fumes emitted by other cars on the road. If you know where your air filter is located (you can refer to your owner's manual for where to look), you can do a visual inspection.
If the air filter is clean, it should be white or off-white. You can visually check the engine air filter to see if it looks dirty or if it is full of debris. Consult your owner's manual to find out when your specific model needs a new air filter. Usually, every 12,000 to 15,000 miles works best. Those who live in areas with large amounts of pollen, especially those who live in areas with large numbers of oaks, should pay close attention to how often they change their air filters.
If you live in a dusty area, you should change the engine air filter more often. We expect drivers in most cases to spend more than a year, at least, and probably more than two years between air filter changes, depending on conditions and mileage. To open the air cleaner housing, simply remove the fasteners, remove the top of the air cleaner housing, and pull out the air cleaner. Without an air cleaner, the air induction system system would fill with insects, leaves, dirt, and other debris and damage the engine. In short: A clean air filter is your engine's first line of defense to staying dirt-free and working properly. Be sure to monitor your air filter and replace it when you start to notice signs that it is clogged, and keep your car in perfect condition for as long as possible.
