When people do their own vehicle maintenance at home, the engine air filter is often one of the most overlooked items. It's easy to remember changing the oil and oil filter or rotating the tires based on specific mileage driven, but the air filter isn't quite as memorable because its need for maintenance will fluctuate. However, it serves a very important function and it needs to be replaced periodically.
When to Change Your Air Filter
How often you should change your air filter can vary depending on a number of things. The general rule of thumb is somewhere between every 15,000 and 30,000 miles. How you drive the vehicle, the air quality where you drive, the age of your vehicle and several other factors can play into how much work your air filter has to do. It's a good idea to check it any time you are changing the oil or getting other maintenance done. Once it gets too dirty, then it's time to replace it. It's that simple.
Why You Want to Change Your Air Filter
A cleaner air filter will make such a difference in your car. It filters out dirt, debris, grease and other contaminants that can get into your engine through the air intake. If the filter is too dirty, it will clog up and it won't filter out the bad stuff as well. It also won't let the proper amount of oxygen into the engine, which will lead to additional performance issues. The filter material itself can wear out over time (especially in extra wet or extra dry environments), developing cracks holes that can let a lot of nasty contaminants directly into your engine's combustion chamber.
A healthy air filter will help keep the engine running smoothly with good, clean oxygen flowing through the engine. It can improve the fuel economy and overall performance of the motor.
Selecting the Proper Air Filter
When replacing your air filter, make sure you get the right type of filter. There are many different sizes, shapes and styles, so check your owner's manual, research online or consult with an expert at an auto repair shop or auto parts shop. Get the proper filter for your vehicle. If it doesn't fit perfectly into place, then you most likely have the wrong one. Do not try getting by with an air filter that isn't right for your car!
If you're in the Colorado Springs area and want professional help with checking or replacing your air filter, call LightHouse Automotive today at (719) 465-0302 or book a service appointment online.