Help Your Car’s Engine Breathe Easier

Are you one of the many drivers who neglect to change their car’s air filter regularly?

Keeping air filters clean will stop dirt and debris from entering your engine.

When you buy a new car, the salesperson usually gives you a maintenance schedule. This schedule lists tasks for your car. It includes oil changes, tire rotations, battery checks, and other standard services. These tasks are important while your vehicle is still under warranty.

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What is an Engine Air Filter?

The engine air filter purifies the air entering your engine before it starts. It is a barrier to prevent dust and debris from entering your car’s engine. Amid respiratory concerns about outdoor air pollution, a vehicle’s air filter functions like your lungs.

The car air filter for your engine is called an internal combustion filter, engine air intake filter, or engine air filter. This differs from the cabin air filters used in your car’s air conditioning system. To learn more about cabin air filters, check out our blog, Mildew, Musty Smell Coming From Your Car AC?

Different Types of Engine Air Filters

There are three types of internal combustion filters:

1. Paper air filters are made from specially treated, industrial-grade paper pleated like an accordion. These standard filters are inexpensive and easy to replace if you want to do it yourself.
2. Foam air filters are made from polyurethane foam soaked in oil. These filters are highly absorbent of dust and are great for vehicles that frequently drive on dirt roads or in off-road motorsports.
3. Cotton air filters are made of oil-wetted cotton gauze and are better known for high-performance automotive applications such as racing cars.

How to Find the Right Engine Air Filter

Using the correct air filter is essential. Here’s how you can ensure you make the right choice:

1. Use Your Owner’s Manual

The first thing you should check is your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will provide specific details about the type and size of air filter you need.

2. Note Vehicle Details

Knowing your vehicle’s key specifications is crucial. Confirm your car’s make, model, year, and engine size. These details will help you find the compatible filter for your vehicle.

3. Consider Driving Conditions

If you often drive in dusty or polluted areas, look for a filter with enhanced filtration and durability.

4. Evaluate Filter Types

Which filter type best fits your needs?

• Paper filters are usually more budget-friendly and will suit most standard driving conditions.
• Cotton gauge filters are reusable and provide better airflow, ideal for performance-focused driving.
• Foam filters are most commonly used in off-road vehicles because of their excellent dust retention capacity.

5. Quality vs. Cost

Evaluate the balance between price and quality. Spending a little more could offer long-term value through improved performance and durability.

6. Talk to a Professional

When in doubt, consult a mechanic or a trusted automotive professional. They should be able to provide insights based on your vehicle and driving habits.

Signs Your Car’s Engine Air Filter Needs to Be Replaced

A clogged air filter comes from a gradual buildup of dirt and debris. The following are indications that your engine air filter needs to be changed:

• Lower Fuel Efficiency: Is your car consuming more gas than usual? It could be your engine air filter.
• Engine Performance: Experiencing rough idling or trouble starting your vehicle? This could indicate that your engine is not receiving enough clean air, affecting performance.
• Warning Light: If your check engine light frequently comes on, it could mean that the air filter needs attention.
• Excessive Exhaust: If you notice dark smoke pouring out from your tailpipe, this could indicate restricted airflow.
• Overpowering Odor: If you smell fuel from the exhaust, it could be a faulty or overexerted air filter.

These issues remind us that regular maintenance checks and timely filter replacements are essential. They help keep your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently.

When to Change Your Engine Air Filter

You should change your car’s air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, if you live in a rural area where you frequently travel down dirt or sandy roads, you will likely have to change it more regularly.

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Step-By-Step: How to Replace Your Engine Air Filter

The auto air filter is usually enclosed in a black plastic casing and is probably the largest non-metal assembly under your hood. Sometimes, it is located near the center top of your engine or to the side in some models. You can easily do a basic air filter change. It only takes a few minutes and will save you money in labor costs.

Time: 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your vehicle’s design.

Tools:

• Gloves to protect your hands from cuts from sharp edges.
• A screwdriver, pliers, or socket set might be needed to remove any screws.
• Clean rag to wipe out filter housing.

Tip: Ensure the engine has cooled to prevent burns.

Safety First

• Make sure your car is parked on a level surface.
• Take the keys out of the ignition and pull the parking brake.
• Use the prop rod to secure the hood.

Step 1: Find the Filter

• Following the duct on the engine from the intake to where it connects to a larger plastic box to locate the air filter.
• Depending on your car’s model, release clips or remove screws.

Step 2: Remove Old Filter

• Take note of the direction in which the filter is installed. You’ll need this later.
• Slowly and safely remove the air filter from its housing.
• Ensure you do this carefully to prevent dust and dirt from falling into the engine compartment.
• Wipe out the filter housing using a clean rag to remove any remaining dirt and debris.

Final Step: Replace the Air Filter

• Install the new filter in the same direction as the old one. Ensure it is snug and has no space for air to bypass it. Please do not force it.

Finish Up

• Reattach the filter housing carefully. Resecure any clips or screws you removed and adjust any ducts that you may have moved in the process.
• Close the hood.
• Crank your car to ensure everything runs smoothly, listening for unusual sounds like whistling.

With these simple steps, you can replace your air filter quickly and efficiently, keeping your car in top condition.

Mistakes to Avoid

If you’ve decided to change your engine air filter, you should be careful to understand the impacts of ignoring the following:

1. Dirty Filter House

An easy oversight when installing a new air filter is a dirty housing. However, not cleaning the filter house before adding a new filter can lead to problems. It may cause scratches on metal parts and unwanted deposits in the engine. Always thoroughly clean and check the filter housing before installing a new filter.

2. Using the Wrong Filter Type

It’s essential to select the correct filter for your specific engine. Choosing an air filter that’s the wrong size or too restrictive could cause damage.

3. Overusing Compressed Air

It might be tempting to clean your air filter with compressed air, but this might cause more harm than good. This method can force dirt into the engine or tear the filter material. Otherwise, if the filter is dirty, replace it to prevent further damage.

Rather leave it to a professional? Have the technician check and replace it with every oil change. You can request that it be checked with your oil change if they do not automatically do it.

A clogged air filter could easily cause poor performance, fuel mileage, and reduced engine life. Notably, it is one of those quick-fix tasks that will create a headache of costly engine-related repairs if ignored and not replaced regularly. To find the air filter you need for your engine, check out our selection of high-quality Puralator Auto Filters.

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