We all love our cars because they are a big everyday necessity. Our vehicles allow us to travel between distant areas in no time.

But, let’s face it. Do we actually take regular maintenance sessions of our cars seriously? Despite the endless affection you have for your vehicle, how often do you neglect checking your vehicle’s filters? Almost 80% of the time.

So, let’s all promise today to take these sessions seriously, and we’ll tell you why you should. If you live in a humid environment or where summers usually last longer, it is always a good idea to periodically replace the air filter in your vehicle. If you often drive on gravel roads, you may want to consider changing your air filter much more frequently. In such conditions, it is recommended that you change it every 5,000 to 6,000 miles.

Even if the weather conditions are not so severe, getting a new air filter for your car about every 10,000 or 15,000 miles is strongly suggested. The best way to calculate the accurate miles is by asking a repair tech. An expert can always give you better advice. They’ll either book an appointment for you on a call or via their auto repair shop software, and you can get your vehicle inspected before spending a penny on it.

Before jumping into the reasons to get a new filter, let’s first discuss the role of a car’s air filter.

What Does an Air Filter Do?

Many people who are not acquainted with the technical side of vehicles ask: “What does a cabin air filter really do?”

That’s because it’s not something visible in the machinery, so it easily slips our minds. However, it is not something to neglect. Why? Because a car’s air filter cleanses the air entering the interior of our vehicles. The air first passes through the air filter and then goes to the ventilation, heating, and air-conditioning system. So it keeps harmful particles, like pollen and dust, out of the car that would otherwise create an unpleasant riding experience.

Now let’s discuss some reasons why you should replace your car’s air filters.

Better Fuel Efficiency

One of the best reasons to keep your car’s air filters up-to-date is better fuel efficiency. Fuel isn’t cheap in 2021, and an efficient car saves you a lot of money. Replacing the filters regularly is observed to improve your fuel mileage by 15%.

It works wonders for older models of vehicles. And new vehicles’ fuel efficiency can even increase by up to 11%. While there are no exact figures or metrics to measure this, eventually you will also notice improved airflow to the engine.

Prolonged Life of Your Car’s Engine

With air filters, almost everything is connected because they play an important role in the engine’s daily working. They allow proper airflow and circulation, keeping the car’s engine busy. Since the air filter’s job is to catch and trap any dirt particles from the air and restrict them from getting into the engine, it extends the engine’s life. 

That’s because even a small amount of salt or dirt can affect the engine’s functions. If your air filter is clogged, damaged, or old, it cannot block debris or other particles from entering the engine. And if any particle enters the engine, it can stop or hinder the working of cylinders or pistons. As a result, advanced wear and tear can take place. Furthermore, a clogged air filter can hinder airflow and choke your engine. That damage is significantly more expensive than replacing your car’s air filter.

Reduced Emissions

If you keep using old air filters, eventually, they will start to block regular airflow to the engine. As a result, it will affect your car’s air-fuel balance and emission control system. Also, the spark plugs in your engine will get fouled, and cause the engine to behave abnormally. If your car is not starting up properly, it may be because of a dirty air filter.

Luckily, replacing the air filters is relatively inexpensive as compared to the repair costs caused by old air filters. We’ve covered why it is necessary to replace them, but how do you know it’s time to change the filters? Let’s find out!

Signs Your Car Filter Needs Changing

Some cabin air filters are out of sight and difficult to access because they are located under the dashboard or hood. You can ask your repair technician to do the job for you. But when’s the right time to get expert advice?

Let’s help you out.

• Reduced airflow: If you notice reduced airflow within your climate control system, it is a clear sign that your air filter needs replacement.
• Increased noise: If the sound of your car’s AC system is louder than normal when you turn up the fan higher, it is a sign to replace the air filter.
• Foul odors: It is a tricky cue. If your vehicle is usually dirty, the bad smell may not be as noticeable.

That’s why it’s an excellent approach to get your car’s air filter checked at least once a year by a professional. However, if you notice any signs mentioned above, then it’s probably time to stop by a service center for a check-up. In addition, there are different air filters available in the market, and it’s essential to install the correct one for your vehicle.

Conclusion

You are pretty lucky if you are reading this blog without having any of the issues mentioned above. But if your car air filter hasn’t been changed in a while, it’s time to do that. When you take care of your car, you save money and time.