Why Clean Air Filters
are Important
V
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 inexpensive 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 fil-
ter’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 erosion of
parts under the hood.
It is much more cost-effective
to routinely change air filters than
replace expensive engine parts.
Rather than ignoring air filters
until the last minute, drivers can
take steps to keep filters clean and
functioning at peak performance.
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 negatively affected and the
engine may idle roughly or mis-
fire. 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. According
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 stress on the engine
Because of the air-to-fuel mix
in engines, even a mixture that
is slightly off balance can affect
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 accel-
eration. Replacing the filter can
easily restore that pep.
Reduce vehicle emissions
Environmental concerns are
a priority for many people. By
keeping the engine working
properly, with the advantage of
clean, unobstructed air enter-
ing the chamber, a vehicle may
produce lower emissions.
Replacing air filters is an easy
fix that many drivers can do
themselves, or ask their mechan-
ics to do during oil changes or
other repair shop visits.
Clogged air
filters reduce
air flow to
engines,
resulting in
an improper
ratio of air
to fuel. As a
result, spark
plugs can be
negatively
affected and
the engine may
idle roughly
or misfire.
Spring Vermont Home, Garden & Auto 2018 • 21