A telltale sign of a dirty air filter is poor acceleration. If it seems like your car is slower and a little sluggish when you press the accelerator, this could be an indication that the engine is not getting enough clean air. A clogged air filter reduces the amount of clean air that reaches the engine, which decreases its power and performance. Replacing the dirty engine air filter with a new, clean one can improve engine acceleration and restore your car's horsepower.
A common sign of a dirty and clogged air filter is a decrease in engine power. This is because the engine cannot receive enough air to keep the air-fuel ratio intact. If your car moves abruptly when accelerating or responds slower than normal, it probably won't get the air it needs to run at peak performance. Poor fuel efficiency is another symptom of a faulty air filter.
The running engine needs a balance of air and fuel to mix, which helps maximize the fuel efficiency of your vehicle so you get as many miles per gallon as possible. But if you have a clogged air filter, it will block the air intake into the internal combustion chamber or send dirty air to the internal combustion chamber, interfering with the combustion process and causing the engine to use more fuel to compensate. The location of an air cleaner can vary among several models, but it is usually easily accessible from near the front of the engine block, connected to the intake pipe, where you can simply remove it for inspection or replacement. Most newer vehicles have air filters that are easy to access and change, in some cases you can remove the air filter without the need for tools. On some cars, some plastic covers need to be removed to get to the air cleaner, which can increase labor costs. If you discover that your air filter needs a change, it is advisable to also check the condition of the spark plugs to see if they have also suffered any damage.
While manufacturers vary in their recommendations for how often the air filter should be changed, if you notice any of these signs that the air filter is dirty, it's time for them to inspect it. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the air filter every 12,000 miles (approximately 19,000 km) or every 12 months, whichever comes first. Changing the air filter is as simple as opening or removing the air cleaner housing, removing the air filter, cleaning the air cleaner housing, and attaching the new filter. If your car seems sluggish when accelerating or has poor fuel efficiency, it could be due to a dirty or clogged air filter. A decrease in engine power is one of the telltale signs that your vehicle's airflow is being restricted by a faulty filter.
Neglecting a dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to use more fuel than necessary and reduce its performance. If you notice any of these signs that your car's air filter needs replacing, make sure to inspect it and replace it with a new one as soon as possible.
