A clogged or dirty air filter can cost you gas mileage!
The humble air filter is an important part of your vehicle that stops dirt, debris and other contaminants from getting into the engine and causing it harm.
When the filter gets clogged, the engine has to work harder and becomes less efficient, which can lead to loss of power and acceleration, poorer gas mileage, and overall engine wear.
When should you come in for an air filter replacement in Homer Glen?
It’s generally recommended that a car air filter is changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or 12 months, but check the owner’s manual to see what’s recommended for your own vehicle. It will also depend on driving conditions and how much dirt is being sucked into the filter. Lost your owners manual?
Call us at 708-981-3856 for a complete maintenance schedule for your vehicle.
If you notice any of the following changes in your car’s performance, it may also be time to replace the filter.
- Unexpected decrease in gas mileage
- Loss of acceleration
- Ignition problems (a dirty air filter can lead to fouled spark plugs)
- Engine doesn’t sound right
- Rough idling
- Engine check light comes on
With a clean and clear air filter in your car, you’ll be helping your vehicle do just what it’s built for – to get you where you want to go, when you want to get there, with no hassles.
What about the Cabin Air Filter?
If you suffer from springtime allergies a bit of spring time cleaning for your car may go a long way.
It is recommended that you change your cabin air filter annually or every 12,000 miles. If you find yourself driving in heavily polluted areas or traveling on dirt roads, you should change the cabin air filter every 5,000 miles. Allergy sufferers may want to consider changing it more often to ensure air quality and to reduce their allergy symptoms.
What can happen if I don’t change my cabin air filter?
If you don’t change your cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issue of foul odors inside your car. The simple act of changing your cabin air filter will dramatically improve the air quality in your vehicle.