About the air filter:
Inside your car’s petrol or diesel engine, a mixture of air and fuel is burnt. This combustion process gives your car’s engine the power to run. The air is introduced to the petrol or diesel engine through the engine air filter, whereas the fuel is introduced via the fuel injectors or carburetor (in older vehicles).
As air enters your petrol or diesel engine, it passed through the air filter. The air filter is made out of fibrous materials which help it to capture dirt, dust, pollen and other contaminants. This prevents the contaminants from entering your engine and doing damage.
A healthy air filter offers several benefits to your vehicle:
- It protects the engine from debris and dirt
- It allows for air to flow smoothly at all times, meaning the engine will run optimally. The result is an increase in engine performance
- It improves fuel economy by providing a reliable stream of air
The location of the air filter varies between vehiclces. However, it is usually located near the front of the vehicle, between the front wheels. Sometimes, parts will need to be removed to access the filter. To locate your air filter, refer to your car’s owner’s manual or consult with a mechanic. It’s important to know the location of your air filter so that you can perform regular maintenance and replace it when necessary.
Learn more about how air filters work >
When to replace the air filter?
The air filter picks up a lot of debris over time. This can cause it to become blocked eventually. A blocked air filter will need to be replaced or it will limit the amount of air that reaches the engine, resulting in reduced air flow into the petrol or diesel engine and a richer fuel mixture.
How long do air filters last in cars?
On average, mechanics recommend that you replace the air filter every 15,000-20,000 km. If you frequently drive on dusty or gravel roads or in heavy traffic, your air filter may become clogged faster than the recommended time frame. In these cases, it may be necessary to change the filter more often.
Symptoms of a blocked air filter:
A blocked air filter may show the following symptoms:
- Check engine light – If not enough air is getting to your engine, the Mass Air Flow meter and other sensors in your car will detect the difference. This can cause the check engine light to turn on.
- Check engine light diagnostics in Hamilton >
- Increased fuel consumption – less air for the same amount of fuel will give your engine less power and this will cause your car’s fuel consumption to increase to achieve the same vehicle speeds.
- Poor acceleration – A blocked air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, which can cause reduced acceleration or sluggish performance.
- Black smoke from exhaust – A rich fuel mixture will often result in fuel not burning correctly. The unburnt fuel can leave your exhaust in the form of black smoke.
- Strange engine noises – A dirty or clogged air filter can cause unusual engine sounds, such as a wheezing or whistling noise.
- Popping sound from exhaust – When unburnt fuel flows through your exhaust, the high exhaust temperatures can often cause the fuel to reignite. This results in loud popping noises.
Engine Air Filter Replacement in Hamilton
Is your car’s air filter blocked and in need of replacement? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, our experienced, qualified mechanics can examine your car’s air filter, determining if it needs replacement. We can then remove your air filter and install a new one. This will allow for improved engine performance and fuel efficiency.
For blocked air filter diagnostics and replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today.