Three Signs Of A Dirty Car Air Filter You Should Know

Your car engine combines both air and gasoline in the combustion chamber to create power for the vehicle to move. The air reaches the engine via the air filter, which works to keep the debris and dust out to keep the car engine performing to the maximum. At the same time, the air filter needs to allow air to reach the engine to work at optimum levels. However, over time dirt and other contaminants clog the air filter, which affects the car’s performance. We will help you understand some apparent signs of dirty car air filter, and how to resolve the issue.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Air Filter In A Car?

Many drivers often wonder about what symptoms point to having a weak and dirty car air filter in their vehicle. Given below is the list of symptoms, which will help you in making the right decision regarding the car air filter. These symptoms not only occur due to a weak air filter but can also point out an underlying problem in the vehicle.

1. Reduced fuel economy

The car engine always compensates for a lower amount of oxygen by consuming more fuel to produce enough power to move the vehicle. However, if you notice the gas mileage getting low every day, then it is time to change the air filter. It applies majorly to carbureted cars manufactured before 1980. Carburetors mix air and fuel to generate power for the internal combustion engine. You can browse online to learn the best maintenance tips for the car air filter.

2. Reduced horsepower

One of the clogged air filter symptoms that make the car respond poorly with jerking movements when you press the accelerator is reduced horsepower. It can indicate the engine is not receiving enough air for performance. Hence, replacing the air filter would help improve the airflow and horsepower of the vehicle as well.

3. Misfiring engine

The limited air supply from a dirty air filter in the car will always result in unburnt fuel coming out from the engine as soot residue. The residue will then accumulate on the spark plug, which would not provide the necessary spark to provide combustion to the air and fuel mixture. You can quickly notice that the engine would not start but misfire and jerk roughly. It is one of the significant bad air filter symptoms, which affects the performance of the engine.

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How Can I Replace A Dirty Car Air Filter?

The majority of automobile companies recommend that one change the air filter after 10,000 to 15,000 miles or every 12 months. In case you are driving in crowded areas; then you would need to stop and start more often, which will affect the air filter more. Remember; do not think that cleaning the air filter and engine are the same thing. However, drivers can completely clean their car air filters at home. How to clean a car air filter includes the following steps:

Step 1: Determine the location 

The air filter is usually located right under the hood, in the middle of the engine compartment, behind the engine intake. Depending on the type of vehicle, the air filter has different shapes. Manufacturers often place the air filter in a square or round plastic protective box.

Step 2: Remove the air filter 

Depending on the brand, the air filter is placed in a protective box with retaining clips or tightening screws. They are designed to be relatively simple, you can use your hands or use a wrench to remove them. The air filter is located just below the protective cover and can be easily removed by hand.

See more:

• The Best Time to Change the Car Air Filter
• Top Three Reasons to Change Your Car Air Filter

Step 3: Clean the air filter 

Use a compressed air nozzle to blow away dust and dirt from the air filter. Be sure to spray in a certain order, from inside to outside and from top to bottom to ensure all dirt is removed.

Depending on the material of the air filter, car owners can check the manufacturer’s recommendations to clean the air filter with warm water, and then dry it.

Be careful not to use brushes to brush, as this can easily tear the filter membrane, seriously affecting the performance of the engine air filter. In addition, when cleaning the car air filter, do not use any detergent or chemical solution.

Step 4: Reinstall the air filter

Before installing the air filter in its original position, you need to check the cover of the air filter protective box. If there is dirt, use a soft cloth to wipe it.

Next, install the car air filter in the original position where it was removed. Make sure the air filter edges match the rubber borders of the protective box. Then use a wrench/screwdriver/hand to re-fix the box lid as it was.

Summing Up

Thus, when any of the above symptoms seem to occur when you try to start your vehicle, the chances are that it is the doing of the dirty car air filter, which needs immediate replacement.