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Why clean air filters are important
ehicle owners likely know
to check fluid levels and get
their cars’ oil changed, but
air filters may not be at the top
of their maintenance checklists.
Despite being a relatively inex-
pensive part, air filters often go
overlooked.
Air filters have an important job
in a vehicle, prolonging the life
span of engines and helping cars
run more smoothly and efficiently.
Purpose of vehicle air filters
Vehicle combustion engines
operate with a mixture of fuel and
air. Without oxygen, gasoline or
diesel fuels cannot burn properly
and power the engine. The air
filter’s job is to prevent dirt, dust
and other debris from being
sucked into an engine. Otherwise,
grime can build up and impede
engine performance or cause ero-
sion of parts under the hood.
It is much more cost-effective to
routinely change air filters than
replace expensive engine parts.
W
what is going on under the hood.
That means the engine must
work harder to get enough clean
air into the chamber to complete
the combustion cycle, says the
Automotive Training Center.
Enjoy more power
A filter that is saturated with
dirt will restrict air flow. In such
instances, drivers may notice a
lack of power during acceleration.
Replacing the filter can easily
restore that pep.
PROVIDED PHOTO
Replacing air filters is an inexpensive way to keep vehicles performing at peak
capacity.
Rather than ignoring air filters
until the last minute, drivers can
take steps to keep filters clean
and functioning at peak perfor-
mance.
Improve fuel efficiency
Clogged air filters reduce air
flow to engines, resulting in an
improper ratio of air to fuel. As a
result, spark plugs can be nega-
tively affected and the engine
may idle roughly or misfire. These
scenarios can greatly affect fuel
efficiency as well as cause engine
deposits from rich fuel. To save
money and trips to the fuel pump,
replace filters regularly. Accord-
ing to GearHeads, for older cars,
studies have indicated that by
replacing a dirty air filter, one can
improve gas mileage by as much
as 14 percent.
Reduce vehicle emissions
Environmental concerns are
a priority for many people. By
keeping the engine working prop-
erly, with the advantage of clean,
unobstructed air entering the
chamber, a vehicle may produce
lower emissions.
Replacing air filters is an easy
fix that many drivers can do them-
selves, or ask their mechanics
to do during oil changes or other
repair shop visits.
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Reduce stress on the engine
Because of the air-to-fuel mix
in engines, even a mixture that
is slightly off balance can affect
Address windshield damage promptly
indshields are designed to
protect drivers and their
vehicles from wind and
other natural elements while the
cars are in motion.
Windshields are not impervious to
damage. All it takes is a single rock
or piece of road debris to be kicked
up from the roadway and hit the
windshield to cause a problem.
Every day, motorists encounter
pebbles or other small missiles that
bounce up from the road and come
in contact with their windshields.
Many deflect with no problem,
but under high speeds, debris can
cause chips, dings, and even cracks
in the windshield.
Cracks easily spread from
road vibration and heat and can
compromise the integrity of the
windshield. If your car’s windshield
is cracked and it shatters during
a collision, you and your passen-
gers are at great risk of injury. In
addition, police officers can write
tickets if windshields appear to be
unsafe. So it’s in drivers’ best inter-
ests to repair damaged windshields
promptly.
Complete Auto Glass Repair & Replacement
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
802-775-7930
Drivers may be able to repair
small dings themselves with a
do-it-yourself windshield but should
consult an expert. If a crack is less
than six to 12 inches long, it can
probably be repaired as well. How-
ever, more significant damage will
require that the entire windshield
be replaced.
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• Full Service Department
• VT State Inspections
• Small RV Store
• Foreign & Domestic
• Brakes • Exhaust • Tune Ups
• A/C Service
• First Responders Service
Discount $50/hour
• Labor $60/hour
Route 4, Center Rutland, VT
802.775.2915 • 800.639.5840
STEVE BRASSARD • locally owned & operated
Building 15, Howe Center, Rutland
www.dankearneys.com
A LL V EHICLES V ERMONT S TATE I NSPECTED
40 YEARS SERVING THE RUTLAND AREA!
2017 Fall Vermont Home, Garden & Car • 19