When should you change your car engine air filter?

This is an important part, so cleaning and replacing the air filter is extremely necessary to ensure stable vehicle operation.

The effect of air filter on car

Engine air filter, combustion chamber

The engine air filter's main function is to filter the air and prevent dust from entering the engine. After a period of use, the air filter will be clogged with dust particles, causing the filter's air vents to become dirty, leading to reduced air flow into the engine, causing an incorrect fuel-air ratio.

At the same time, it reduces power, causes the engine to overheat and creates carbon in the combustion chamber, affecting the ignition system. In addition, a torn or poor quality air filter will cause dirt to pass through and stick to the mass air flow sensor head. This reduces sensitivity, causing errors, resulting in inaccurate fuel supply and unstable engine operation.

Air conditioner filter, cabin air conditioner

Car air conditioner filter is also called cabin air filter to filter dust in the air, filter some polluted gases. Some more advanced types also have the function of deodorizing or filtering impurities. This part brings convenience to the user.

However, after a period of use, the amount of dirt that sticks for a long time will reduce the filtering ability and cause an unpleasant musty smell, affecting the health of the car owner.

How often should the air filter be changed?

Experts say that for new cars, the engine air filter needs to be cleaned every 5,000 km and replaced every 20,000 km.

In the case of used vehicles, the time to change the air filter may be earlier and depending on the operating conditions of the vehicle, it can be cleaned every 3,000 km or once a month and replaced every 15,000 km.

However, during the use of the car, if the following signs are detected, the driver should quickly check the car's air filter to see if it needs to be replaced.

- Engine heats up faster: If you find that your engine heats up faster than normal, the cause may be a damaged engine air filter, allowing dirt to easily enter the engine and combustion chamber. This causes the vehicle to overheat and lose performance quickly.

- Fuel-consuming car: During the use of the car, constantly check how much fuel your car consumes. In the same period of time, the travel schedule is the same but the car consumes more fuel. This is a sign that the engine air filter is clogged with dirt, making it difficult to filter the air, the engine has to work harder, causing fuel consumption.

- The car often stalls: The engine's air filter is damaged or torn, causing dirt to clog the filter's vents. This reduces the amount of air entering the engine, causing carbon deposits inside to increase, clogging the spark plugs and causing the engine to suddenly stall.

How to change and clean car air filter at home

Although the operation of changing the engine air filter is not too complicated, we advise you to take your car to a reputable garage to have the condition of the car accurately checked.

In case the driver wants to do it himself at home, he should follow these steps:

Open the hood and wait for the engine to cool completely.

Determine the exact location of the air filter housing.

Open the housing with the appropriate tool, take the air filter out of the housing.

Clean the air filter by tapping it gently on the floor to loosen dust and debris. Then use a vacuum cleaner or air blower to clean each layer of dust and debris.

Never immerse the air filter in water as it will damage the air filter.

In case the air filter is too dirty to clean, replace it with a new one, making sure to install it in the correct direction into the housing.

Do a final check by starting the engine, applying high throttle and using your hand to check the intake manifold for air intake, in case of blockage.