What Is A Car Air Filter?

Car filters help your car run smoothly, but when they get clogged it can cause problems and affect performance. Typical signs of air filter problems will be smoke, engine failure in extreme cases, and loss of power. In this article, we will give you all the information you need to understand what exactly a car air filter is.

An air filter may not seem like the most important component you should be looking at in your regular car checks, but they are essential for your car’s performance.

Car Air Filters: What Are They & Why Are They Important?

Air filters are designed to prevent small particles from entering the engine as this can often cause issues that could cost you in the long run. When your air filters are damaged or clogged, they will limit the amount of air flowing into the engine, making it work harder than it should, using up more fuel. But why else are they so important?

Reduce your emissions

Dirty or damaged air filters can disrupt the air-fuel balance in your car, this can then further cause spark plugs becoming polluted and your engine may misfire or idle. One of the most important reasons for maintaining your air filter is because issues can cause your car’s exhaust emissions to rise.

Increase your fuel efficiency

We all want to be able to get as much out of a full tank as possible, but if your air filter is clogged, your fuel efficiency will decrease. Clogged air filters make your engine work harder, therefore using more fuel.

Prolong engine life

Replacing your air filter regularly is so important as they catch the dirt and debris from outside air, preventing them from reaching the combustion chamber and saving you a lot of money in the long term.

Need to replace your air filters?

To maintain the best performance of your car, you should replace your air filters every 12,000 - 16,000 miles. If you need to have your air filters replaced, find a mechanic in your local area with MyCarNeedsA.com today. Get your quotes!