You may already know that internal combustion engines need three key ingredients to operate properly so that you can drive around Pasadena – air, fuel, and fire (spark). All three of these components are vital to the function of your vehicle’s engine to keep it operating at the optimal level. This means that the air and fuel must be clean. The air that enters your engine is kept clean by your vehicle’s air filter, which catches sand, dust, leaves, and other debris, protecting your engine and helping it last longer. Your engine’s air filter should be replaced at intervals of between 15,000 and 30,000 miles, depending on your driving conditions. If you drive on dirt roads frequently, it will need to be changed more often. If you don’t drive a lot, you should still replace your air filter at least every 3 years, because it will become brittle with age, which can result in tears that allow dirt and sand to enter your engine.
How can you tell if you have a dirty air filter? Some common symptoms are a slight loss of power and gas mileage, or, in extreme cases, a check engine light. Your air filter should be inspected during regular oil changes. Your mechanic can check its condition and let you know if it needs to be replaced. If no light is visible when the filter is backlit, it must be replaced. It is not necessary to replace a cabin air filter every time you replace an engine air filter, but it is likely to be in the same condition, and replacing it may improve the air quality inside your car.
Most air filters are installed inside of an air filter box, at the front of your engine’s air intake. Air filters are made of a pleated paperlike material. Dirt and larger objects will fall into the box under the filter, but dust and smaller particulates will get stuck onto the filter, and it will gradually become dirty. A dirty air filter will begin to restrict airflow into the engine, making it harder for the engine to breathe and increasing the strain on its components. The vacuum in the engine will also increase, which can risk sucking smaller dirt particles through the filter, possible damaging your engine and causing it to start consuming more oil.
If you suspect that you may need a new air filter, come to your Certified Auto Repair Specialist of Pasadena today, or give us a call at (626) 793-2220.
