Engine air filters are essential pieces of automotive equipment that need to be properly operational for a car to drive safely and smartly. In this blog entry, the Chicagoland roadside assistance experts here at Chicago Towing will provide a brief guide as to the signs that indicate that it’s time to change your engine air filter.
Lowered Gas Mileage
If you notice a decrease in your general gas mileage, try changing your engine’s air filter. Engines require high quality airflow. When engine air filters get dirty, engines have to work much harder to work, and your fuel efficiency will gradually decrease. If you have to fill your gas tank more than you usually have to, get your air filter replaced and checked.
Ignition Issues
When air can’t get through your car’s filter to its engine, the emission control system is seriously affected. Over time, this causes serious damage to your vehicle’s spark plugs, interfering with their proper operation. Spark plug malfunction will cause ignition issues. When you crank your vehicle, are you having problems starting it? If this is the case, check your engine filter to verify if it needs to get replaced.
Strange Engine Noises
Cars make a ton of different noises. If you’re suddenly noticing popping or spitting noises, it’s likely that your car’s filter needs to get changed. These sounds are likely caused by clogged up filters making issues with the mixture of air and fuel in your car’s engine.
Engine Light
If your check engine light is illuminated, it can mean a wide range of different tissues are afoot. However, it might indicate an issue of an engine air filter. If the air filter is blocked, preventing air from getting to the engine, the light will automatically illuminate. Make sure to tackle this issue as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues.
Visual Inspection
Air filters are usually white when they are brand new. When your car’s oil is changed, have your engine air filter visually inspected to make sure it’s not dirty or has debris. Air filters can get clogged with invisible particles, and if you see that the filter is gray or clogged up, it needs to be replaced. Make sure to consult your vehicle manual to find the specific location of your air filter.
Black Smoke
If you notice black smoke coming from your car’s exhaust, it likely means that you’re dealing with a clogged air filter. This is usually due to engines not working with the right balance of fuel and gas. The extra fuel will leave your exhaust pipe as black smoke – and you might even notice small flames in your exhaust pipe as unburned fuel starts to set on fire. Make sure to have your car’s engine inspected as soon as possible – and your filter changed.
