Which is better: clean or replace the air filter?

Briefly about the air filter

The air filter is a small but important component of an automotive system. Its role is to purify the air, which plays an important role in the combustion process of the fuel mixture. The air filter serves as a barrier to all particles in the air - dust, leaves, fluff, and so on.

The car has only four filters: for oil, fuel, air and interior (also a kind of air filters). A clogged air filter can seriously damage the engine and eventually lead to engine repairs.

What damage does a dirty air filter do?

The presence of an air filter undoubtedly supports the optimal and proper operation of the engine. The better the condition of the air filter, the easier the car’s engine will work.

These are the consequences of a dirty filter.

Low engine power

Modern engine management systems allow you to accurately calculate the amount of fuel injected depending on the pressure in the intake manifold.

In the presence of a clogged air filter, the system reads inaccurate data, and thus reduces engine power. In addition, the old air filter causes tiny particles to get inside the engine, which can damage it.

An important role in the combustion process is played by clean air. An air filter serves as a barrier against all dirty particulate matter in the air.

Black smoke

Since a clogged air filter causes a decrease in air flow, this will result in the injection of more diesel fuel. Part of this fuel does not burn, which causes the formation of black smoke in the exhaust system.

Increased fuel consumption

Since, due to the small amount of air in the fuel mixture, it burns poorly, the motor power drops. For dynamic movement, the driver often presses the gas pedal, trying to increase engine speed. Because of this, fuel consumption increases. One of the signs that the air filter is clogged is the indicator on the instrument panel (more often this is the engine icon).

Filter contamination leads to erroneous sensor data installed on new car models. If we have an older machine, this problem may result in engine malfunction.

Clean or replace with a new one?

The air filter belongs to the category of consumables, so it would be correct to replace it with a new one, and not try to clean the old one. The cost of the filter is not too high, and the procedure for replacing it is not complicated. In view of this, experts recommend not neglecting this procedure.

Steps for replacing the air filter

• Remove the air filter cover;
• Dismantle the old air filter;
• We clear all the channels through which the air goes to the engine;
• Install a new air filter;
• We put back the air filter cover;
• You can take measurements of the quality of filtered air using the indicator.

Apparently, the repair lasts only a few minutes. The procedure can save us not only money, but also delay future engine repairs.

One way to optimize engine power is to install a cone filter, which is commonly used in sports car models.

How often to change the air filter?

Car experts believe that if the filter is dirty, it is better to replace it with a new one than to spend time cleaning it. Replacing the air filter is a much smarter option than cleaning it.

It is recommended that the air filter be replaced on average every 10–000 km. If we drive on gas, it is recommended to change it to 15 km. If the air filter is not replaced on time, this increases the risk of clogging.

Since the air filter contains materials such as paper or fabric, it can form wrinkles or tears. If the air filter ruptures, dirty air enters the engine.

From here we come to the conclusion that in any case it is much better to replace the old air filter with a new one in time than to ignore this recommendation and continue to operate the car with the old element.

To determine which filter to install in the car, just remove the old one and buy a similar one. If you want to upgrade the system a little, it is useful to seek the advice of a service specialist. Only he can give us accurate professional advice on choosing a new air filter.

Replacing a car’s air filter is a relatively simple process and does not require special knowledge or special professional equipment. Another advantage is the low cost of repairs, because you can do it yourself. We just need to buy a new air filter and have the necessary tools.

In most cases, replacing the air filter takes only a few minutes, but it is very important for the “health” of your car’s engine.

Questions and answers:

How do you know when you need to change the air filter? Usually, the air filter is changed together with the engine oil change. At the same time, the fuel filter changes. This need may be indicated by exhaust pops, uneven engine operation, loss of dynamics.

What can happen if you do not change the air filter for a long time? Adequate amount of air is required for fuel combustion. If the motor does not receive the required air, carbon deposits form on its parts, which spoils them.