Engine air filter
Engine Air Filter
Your vehicle’s engine needs three vital ingredients to run: fuel, fire, and clean air. Without clean air, the other two ingredients can’t do their job properly. Replacing your engine air filter may seem like a trivial task that you can put off, but this simple part keeps your vehicle running efficiently.
Keep reading to learn exactly what an engine filter does, what happens when it’s neglected, and why having it professionally inspected and changed is the smart move.
What Is the Purpose of an Air Filter in a Car’s Engine?
Combustion inside the engine requires a precise mix of air and fuel. In fact, your engine needs significantly more air than fuel to combust properly. Without an air filter, dirty air would disrupt this balance and could cause internal engine wear.
While your engine is running, your vehicle’s air intake system pulls in air from the outside. The air travels through the intake system housing, where the engine air filter screens out dust, dirt, pollen, debris, and other contaminants from the passing air before it enters the engine.
What Happens When the Filter Is Neglected?
A dirty air filter in your engine reduces engine efficiency because it restricts airflow. Your engine must therefore work harder for the same output. In addition, your fuel economy will drop because an engine starved of air can’t burn fuel completely. This can have a negative impact on your exhaust system and increase the risk of contaminants reaching sensitive engine components. Over time, your check engine light may come on because a clogged filter can trigger sensor issues in some vehicles.
How Often Should the Air Filter Be Inspected or Replaced?
There isn’t a universal rule for how often an engine air filter should be checked or changed. Its lifespan will depend on driving conditions, how many kilometres it’s been in your vehicle for, and the environment you drive in. You may need to replace your engine air filter after 25,000 km; however, many vehicles under average driving conditions only need a new engine filter when they reach 48,000 km. Check your owner’s manual for recommendations or speak with your NAPA AUTOPRO technician.
Canadian driving conditions often mean earlier service is needed. For example, depending on where you live, you may experience lots of gravel roads, construction zones, wildfire smoke, and dusty conditions that can significantly shorten your engine filter’s life.
Stay on top of your engine filter and aim to have it inspected with every oil change or scheduled professional maintenancevisit. A NAPA AUTOPRO technician can assess its actual condition rather than guessing based on mileage alone.
Is an Engine Air Filter the Same as a Cabin Air Filter?
While these two parts may sound similar, an engine air filter and cabin air filter complete two different jobs.
The engine air filter cleans the air being sucked into your engine for combustion. The cabin air filter cleans the air flowing inside your vehicle from the vents, heating, and air conditioning. If an engine air filter helps your car breathe better, the cabin air filter helps your breathing by removing dust, pollen, and other pollutants before they reach you.
An engine air filter may seem like a small and inconsequential part. But it’s vital to your engine’s health and performance. Instead of leaving your intake system to chance, trust your NAPA AUTOPRO certified technician to expertly inspect and replace your engine air filter before dust or debris reaches your engine.
Find your nearest NAPA AUTOPRO service centre and book your appointment today at napaautopro.com.