Does Changing Engine Air Filter Make a Difference?

Replacing a clogged air filter can significantly improve fuel efficiency and acceleration, depending on the make and model of your car. It is therefore important to replace your air filters regularly. The frequency of changing the engine air filter varies from one vehicle brand to another. For instance, Chevrolet recommends changing the air filter every 45,000 miles, while Ford suggests doing it every 30,000 miles.

Hyundai shortens this interval to 15,000 miles for “severe driving conditions” such as heavy traffic in hot climates and frequent driving on unpaved roads or dusty conditions. When you take your car for regular maintenance, the mechanic will inspect the engine air filter for dirt. Fortunately, replacing the cabin air filter is even easier and cheaper than changing the engine air filter. Regardless of the exact numbers, a clean air filter improves airflow to the engine and increases engine performance and fuel consumption.

If you notice reduced airflow inside your climate control system, it's a sign that you need a new air filter. As its name implies, an engine air filter filters the air entering the engine and traps particles of dust, sand, dirt, and other debris that could damage engine parts. If you drive in severe conditions such as heavy traffic in hot climates or frequent driving on unpaved roads or dusty conditions, it is necessary to replace the air filter more often. Worn or dirty air filters will cause your engine to malfunction; among the things you'll notice is that you'll have less power and weaker acceleration.

Cabin air filters tend to get dirty faster than engine air filters and need to be replaced more often. To locate the engine air cleaner housing, look for a large plastic housing, usually black, that sits above or to one side of the engine. It will normally have clips or screws that keep it closed. By providing clean air flow to the engine, an air cleaner ensures that the engine receives the correct amount of air needed to operate at its maximum level. And maximizing the fuel efficiency of your car is one of the main reasons to change your air filter on a regular basis.