You should check your car's air filter once a year. Many people choose to change the filter right away, but some mechanics suggest that an air filter can last between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Depending on how much you drive, you may not reach those numbers in a year. Still, it's important to take the time to check your air filter annually.
If the filter looks dirty, it's time to replace it. Don't attempt to clean the filter and use it again. A new air filter is the best way to ensure that your vehicle performs optimally and stays in top condition. The frequency with which the engine air filter needs to be changed varies. Maintenance schedules for different vehicle brands differ in how often the air filter needs to be changed.
On most Chevrolet engines, for example, the recommended change interval is every 45,000 miles, while Ford suggests every 30,000 miles on many of its engines. Hyundai also recommends changing the air filter every 30,000 miles, but shortens it to 15,000 for “severe driving conditions” such as heavy traffic in hot climates and frequent driving on unpaved roads or dusty conditions. These rules will apply to other brands as well. If you drive in such conditions, it may be necessary to replace the air filter before reaching the recommended mileage. Most drivers will spend more than a year and probably more than two years between air filter changes, depending on conditions and mileage.
Some luxury brands charge more for their parts and require that you only buy cabin air filters of their brand, while others suggest that you can buy a generic cabin air filter at your local automotive store. The good news is that the air filters on most engines are easy to access, and you can check the location in your owner's manual if you need help. If your car's air conditioning system is blowing weakly even with the highest fan setting, this could be a sign that the system is working harder than usual and that the filter may be clogged. If the vehicle doesn't have enough air, this can cause fuel to create a dark residue and result in thick black smoke coming from the exhaust. Please note that not all filters should be replaced; some models may be washable and therefore more environmentally friendly. A dirty filter lets polluting and allergenic particles, dust, sand and other debris enter the engine and car.
Dust likely means that the filter is so clogged that those particles cross the filter barrier and reach directly into your face as you drive. But did you know that your car also has cabin air filters that keep the air fresh for you? Without this ingenious car part, the cabin of your car would be filled with every harmful smell and smoke you encounter on your trip. The idea of having a cabin air filter is to protect occupants from particles and odors outside of the car by the time they begin to seep into the vehicle; if this happens, it means that the filter has lost its effectiveness. If you find black areas in the section where outside air enters, it may be time to change it. Once you know where the cabin air filter is located, it's important to change it regularly so that you and your passengers can breathe clean, residue-free air every time you get into your vehicle. Because it connects directly to human occupants in the vehicle and keeps them safe from pollutants in the air, it is an essential part of any vehicle. Replacing your engine air filter is an often overlooked maintenance item, but a dirty air filter can have a negative effect on your car's performance.
