Do I need to change my car's air filter?

How often should I change my car's air filter?

Your car's air filter is critical to both the health of your engine and overall vehicle protection. While this is often considered a minor service issue, careless handling of this vehicle component can pose a serious risk to your engine. The Chapel Hill Tire experts are here to share their thoughts on How often should I change my car's air filter? and other air filter questions. 

Benefits of Clean Automotive Air Filters

Air filters are useful for many parts of a car, so you need to pay special attention to them. Regular air filter maintenance can improve the health of your vehicle. Here are a few benefits of maintaining your car's air filter regularly:

• Improved gas mileage- By protecting the air-fuel mixture from dirt and other harmful particles, a clean air filter can help you save money on your pump. It can also help you pass the NC emission test.
• Engine protectionDirt and particles can damage an engine if not properly filtered, leading to much more damage and repair costs in the future. 
• Vehicle durability—Regular air filter maintenance can help extend the life of your vehicle by helping prevent damage. 
• Improved performance- A clean engine and a healthy air/fuel mixture keeps your vehicle running smoother. 

With these benefits in mind, it's easy to see how a little air filter maintenance can save you a significant amount of money on larger services and repairs. 

How often do you need to change the air filter?

While there is no hard science on air filter replacement, on average you should change your car's filter every year or every 10,000-15,000 miles. However, if you live in an area with heavy smog or dirt roads, you should change your air filter more often. These external factors will accelerate the wear of your filter and pose an increased risk to the health of your vehicle. 

Signs It's Time to Change Your Air Filter

Your vehicle will often indicate the need for some sort of service by its performance, appearance, and the sounds it makes. It's always best to pay close attention to what your car is trying to tell you. Here are a few signs that may indicate the need to replace the air filter:

Low fuel efficiency- If you find that your vehicle is not running at the fuel efficiency you are used to, this may be due to an unbalanced air/fuel mixture and is an indication that you need an air filter replacement. 

Emission control- When an NC emissions check approaches, you may need to replace your air filter. A dirty air filter (or resulting air/fuel mixture problems) can cause you to fail an emissions test.

Dirty air filter“Perhaps the most obvious sign that an air filter needs to be changed is the appearance of your air filter. If it looks worn and dirty, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. 

Engine problems- If your engine is starting to show signs of deterioration, take a look at the air filter. This may be causing or contributing to these engine problems and it is best to replace it as a preventative or remedial measure. 

As a best practice, annual maintenance and inspection visits should help you keep an eye on your air filter. If you start having problems with your car between these annual visits, take another look at your air filter or have it checked out by a professional. Chapel Hill Tire experts even inspect your air filter at every oil change for free. This preventive measure can save you thousands of dollars in future repairs. 

Where to find a replacement car air filter » wiki helpful Air filter maintenance near me

For fast, affordable and convenient air filter replacement, the Chapel Hill Tire experts have what you need! Our experts can pick you up and drop you off in no time and we proudly serve drivers in Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrborough and beyond. to make an appointment with our air filter experts to get started today! 

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