Dirty air filter can hinder your car performance. Imagine wanting to go for that long planned trip but the engine isn’t just starting! Just like you need air to function, your engine has to suck in air to operate. The air filter works to keep dirt and debris from reaching the engine and also regulate the airflow used to burn fuel. If the air filter isn’t operating properly, the engine can suffer damage from contaminants (sounds like how humans operate, right?).

Protecting the engine from these specks of dirt and unnecessary wear and tear extends the life of the engine and also ensures the optimum performance of your car.

Besides, a dirty filter can hinder the fuel from being mixed with the proper ratio of air. What this does is reduce the efficiency of the car fuel and can cause problems with the spark plugs.
Not changing your engine air filter for a long time will affect how your engine draws in air and we both know how important that is. Some of the after-effects are rough idle problems, a gummed up throttle body, damaged spark plugs, engine not starting.

Now, let’s talk about the signs your engine or car will start giving you when the air filter is bad.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A DIRTY AIR FILTER IN A CAR?

1. Rough Idle
   There are many reasons why a car can have a rough idle engine and a bad engine air filter is one of them. Once your engine has warmed up, it should have a steady RPM. However, if it keeps bouncing up and down at idle even after the car has been allowed to ‘rest’, it could be that the air filter is bad or clogged with particles.
2. Engine Won’t Start
   Sometimes, it isn’t your battery that is causing your engine not to start; it could be the air filter. Consequently, it prevents your engine from getting the air it needs since it is clogged with dirt. Be sure to check your air filter out.
3. Engine Goes off completely When Driving
   Engine completely going off when driving could be a sign of a dirty engine air filter. Your engine will only run when it sucks in air. A dirty air filter can block the airflow the engine is sucking in. If you are ever in a situation where your engine is cutting out or dying randomly, checking your engine filter installed in your car to make sure it’s not all clogged up with dirt will be worth it.
   1. Dirty Throttle Body
      The volume of air your car takes in is dependent on the air filter and since the throttle body is designed to open and close to allow some amount of air in, a dirty air filter can cause it to be contaminated. If you noticed your throttle body is dirty, you have to check your air filter if it’s been a while you check it.You can chaeck out more signs here

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR DIRTY AIR FILTER AT HOME

1. Get a replacement filter.To be able to work on your car yourself, you must have your filter on ground. Make sure you know the year, make, and model of your car to know the best air filter to get. If you don’t know those details, you can check your owner’s manual.
2. You also need a screwdriver here.
3. After you have been able to open the hood of the car, locate the airbox. It should be near the engine (the manual will come in handy here too).
4. Unscrew/unclamp the airbox and lift the top of the box off.
5. Take the old air filter out.
6. Ensure the new filter fits in by comparing it to the old one before fixing it.
7. Finally, fix the new air filter and attach the lid back onto the airbox.

Your car airfilter is important tp the overall performance of your car. It is like a pathway and you need to care for it. You can also learn how to perfectly care for your car body in summer.

Now tell me, how often do you change your car air filter? It will surprise how much trouble it is causing you.

Did you find the post helpful? Share with your friends!