Car engines need both air and fuel to work correctly. Air flows through the engine via an air filter, which blocks leaves, dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering. Over time, the filter can get dirty and clogged, and this can have negative effects on the way your engine operates, so it’s important to get filters changed on a regular basis. This guide will go over some common signs that show when it’s time to change your car air filter.
1. A Dirty or Discolored Filter
One of the easiest ways to spot a filter that needs changing is to actually take a look at it. A clean and fresh filter will be mostly white in color but will get darker as it gathers dust and dirt. If your filter looks very dark and dirty, it might be time to change it. If you’re unsure about anything, you can get a technician to check your filters for you.
2. Odd Engine Noises
Cars make a lot of different noises, and you don’t have to worry about every single one. However, if you notice the sudden appearance of spitting or popping sounds when your engine is idle, it’s possible that the filter needs to be changed. These sounds may be caused by filters that have gotten clogged up, interfering with the air-fuel mixture inside the engine.
3. Check Engine Light
Many drivers notice the “Check Engine” light appearing on their dashboards from time to time. This light can have many different meanings. It could be connected to a filter problem. If the filter is blocked and not enough air is getting through to your engine, the light can turn on automatically. It’s very important to pay attention to this light and not simply ignore it.
4. Poor Performance
If you use your car regularly, you should have a good knowledge of how it usually feels to drive. If you notice any sudden changes, like slow performance when driving uphill or the car struggling to reach high speeds, it’s possible that the filter could be to blame for this.
5. Weak Fuel Economy
A dirty filter can restrict airflow into your engine, and if the engine doesn’t have enough air to operate, it compensates for this by burning extra fuel. This means that you may start to use more fuel on your usual trips, and you may find that you need to fill your car’s tank more often than normal.
6. Black Smoke from the Exhaust
It’s never a good sign when dark smoke comes puffing out of your car’s exhaust. This is commonly a sign of a clogged air filter. It happens because the engine doesn’t have the right air-fuel balance, so excess fuel actually flows out of the exhaust in the form of black smoke. In some cases, you may even notice little flames at the end of your exhaust pipe as the unburned fuel starts to ignite. If you spot any of the signs listed above, or if you’ve had the same filter in place for a long time, it’s wise to visit your local dealer and get the filter replaced. Call Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith today for filter checks and replacements.
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