There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a new car engine purring to make you feel alive – until it breaks down and you have to take it in for a service. A dirty air filter can contribute to this, so it’s important that you change it regularly to help keep your engine running smoothly.
In this article, we’re going to tell you how often you should change your air filter, based on your car’s make and model. We’ll also provide some tips on how to change it yourself, so that you don’t have to take your car in for service.
The Benefits of Clean Air
If you live in an area with smog, you know that it’s important to keep your car’s engine air filter clean. Not only does this filter help protect your car’s engine from dirt and dust, but it also helps reduce the amount of harmful emissions that come out of your car. According to the EPA, every year you should replace your car’s air filter if the dirty-air indicator on your dashboard is lit. Here are some of the benefits of keeping your engine air filter clean:
1. It will protect your car’s engine from dirt and dust.
2. It will reduce the amount of harmful emissions that come out of your car.
3. It will improve gas mileage.
How Often Should You Change Your Car Engine Air Filter
There are a few factors to consider when deciding how often to change your car’s air filter, including the make and model of your vehicle, the type of air filter being used, and driving conditions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends changing the air filter on your car every 10,000 miles or every 3 months, whichever comes first. However, depending on the make and model of your car, you may need to change the air filter more frequently if you live in a dusty or heavily polluted area.
When to Replace Your Car Engine Air Filter
If your car’s engine is consistently leaving dirty air in its exhaust, it may be time to replace the car’s engine air filter. A new air filter will help clean the engine of harmful emissions and reduce fuel consumption. However, changing your filter every 3,000 miles isn’t always necessary or recommended. Here’s a look at when you should and shouldn’t replace your car’s air filter.
Conclusion
It’s important to regularly change your car engine air filter, not only to protect your car from harmful particles and gasses, but also because it can help reduce fuel consumption. For most cars, the manufacturer recommends changing the air filter at least every 7,500 miles. If you drive in extremes or heavy traffic areas, you might want to go a little bit longer between changes.