What are the symptoms of a clogged air filter?
Content
The air filter is an important part of your car's air intake system. Located inside the air filter housing, it helps protect your engine by filtering out contaminants and particles from the outside. Find out what are the symptoms of a clogged air filter, how to fix them, and how to replace this part on your car!
🔎 What are the reasons for the clogged air filter?
There can be several reasons for a clogged air filter. Indeed, the level of pollution of the latter will vary depending on several elements, such as:
- Driving area : If you are traveling on roads exposed to dust, insects or dead leaves, this will cause the air filter to clog faster as it will have to hold more elements;
- Maintenance of your car : the air filter should be changed every 20 kilometer... If not cared for properly, it can become very dirty and problems with the air intake will begin to appear;
- The quality of your air filter : Several models of air filters are available and not all have the same filtration quality. Thus, your air filter can be dry, wet, or in an oil bath.
When your air filter is clogged, you quickly become aware of a significant lack of power in your engine and excessive consumption. fuel... In some situations, the problem arises directly from air filter housing which can be damaged or leaks due to loss of tightness.
💡 What are the solutions to the air filter clogged problem?
Un air filter dirty cannot be reused, no cleaning of the latter gives it again a good filtering ability. Thereby, you have to make changes independently or by contacting a specialist in a car repair shop.
On average, an air filter is an inexpensive part of your car. It stands between 10 € and 15 € by brands and models. If you go to a mechanic to have it replaced, you will also have to factor in labor costs, which will be no more than 50€.
👨🔧 How to replace the air filter?
If you'd like to replace your air filter yourself, follow our step-by-step guide to get it done.
Required material:
Toolbox
Protective gloves
New air filter
the cloth
Step 1. Find the air filter
If you've just driven a car, wait for the engine to cool before opening the car. hood... Take protective gloves to find the air filter.
Step 2. Remove the damaged air filter.
Unscrew the screws on the air filter housing, then remove the fasteners to access the used air filter. Move it out of place.
Step 3. Clean the air filter housing.
To preserve the new air filter, wipe the air filter housing with a cloth. Indeed, it can contain a lot of dust and residues. Be careful to close the carburetor cap during this cleaning to keep dirt out of it.
Step 4. Install a new air filter.
Install a new air filter and close the housing. Consequently, it will be necessary to re-tighten the various screws and then reinstall the fasteners of the latter. Then close the hood and you can take a short ride test drive with your car.
⚠️ What are other possible symptoms of a clogged air filter?
When your air filter is clogged with a lot of impurities, symptoms other than those listed above may appear. Thus, you will face the following situations:
- Burst of black smoke : when driving a car, a significant black smoke will come out of the muffler, regardless of the engine speed;
- Engine misfire : during acceleration, holes will be detected and the engine will misfire more or less strongly depending on the condition of the filter;
- Difficulty getting started : as the air supply inside combustion chambers is not optimal, it will be difficult for you to start the car.
A faulty air filter can quickly be detected by a motorist on trips, the manifestations of this can be very different. As soon as these symptoms appear, quickly replace the air filter to prevent damage to other parts important to the vitality of the engine!
