Surprisingly, having a clogged filter can affect fuel efficiency, since the engine has to consume more energy than it should. Ideally, you should change your cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but it's a good idea to consult your manual. While a dirty cabin air filter can affect the air conditioning system, a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. This is understandable, considering that your car can use more than 10,000 gallons of oxygen for every gallon of fuel burned.
Will a new air filter improve performance? Absolutely! Replacing an old engine air filter can go a long way in increasing vehicle efficiency. In fact, replacing a dirty engine filter can improve fuel consumption by up to 10%. If the air cleaner becomes dirty or clogged, the engine will not be able to draw enough air into the combustion chamber. The engine is running rich (i.e.
there is too much gas and there is not enough air). When this happens, the car will turn off and drive abruptly. No, the cabin air filter is not connected to the engine intake, so driving with a dirty cabin air filter will not affect fuel economy. The engine air filter serves to filter the air drawn into the engine intake. Cabin air filters with clogged pores can force the air conditioning system to work harder.
In addition to increasing energy consumption, this can also cause damage to the motor due to overload. This is especially true if you need to increase the fan speed of the air conditioning system to increase airflow. Another symptom of a faulty or malfunctioning cabin air filter is the unpleasant odor emanating from the internal grilles of the vehicle. If the filter is too contaminated, it may have a smell of dust, dirt, or moisture. Air injection can make odor perceptible and uncomfortable for passengers.
Failure to replace a dirty or clogged filter will affect the efficiency of your car's heating and cooling system. Poor efficiency can cause other problems, such as loss of air volume, bad odors in the cabin, or premature failure of HVAC components. Simply replacing a dirty filter can make a big difference in car air quality. You may not be prepared to perform car maintenance work, such as changing oil or replacing spark plugs, but changing your vehicle's engine air filter is an easy task you can do. However, it's ideal to replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (most often if you live in a densely populated area or in a large city).
If you notice that your car has an unpleasant odor or that airflow has decreased, consider replacing the cabin filter to give the system and yourself a breath of fresh air. If the air filter is dirty, the engine will run harder, fuel economy will worsen, emissions will increase, and in some cases, engine power will be lost. Before air can enter the interior of the car, it passes through this filter and traps any contaminants in the air to prevent them from infiltrating the air you breathe. The most common symptom associated with a faulty cabin air filter is poor airflow from the vehicle's internal grilles. If you don't change the cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of your car's filter and HVAC system will be compromised. The engine air filter helps prevent harmful contaminants from entering the engine, ensuring that only clean, residue-free air reaches this vital component.
When the air cleaner is clogged and greatly restricts airflow, it can cause incomplete combustion and ultimately reduce engine power. If you're servicing your vehicle at a repair shop or dealership, the technician may recommend a replacement of the cabin air filter. The difference between the two is that dirty engine filters can negatively affect vehicle performance, while cabin air filters affect cabin air quality. If you start to smell odors in the cabin of your vehicle, or if you notice that the HVAC fan is running louder, schedule a service appointment with us and we will change your cabin air filter. The cabin air filter should also be changed periodically, but at a different time than the engine air cleaner. The best way to ensure that the air is clean is to change the cabin air filter as often as recommended by the car manufacturer.
