How Often Should Car Air Filters Be Changed? A Brief Guide

Every time you hit the road in your car, it faces an onslaught of airborne contaminants such as dust, dirt, and pollen. The engine air filter serves a vital role in managing these contaminants and keeping your car running smoothly. Like all components, the filter eventually wears out, leaving many car owners to grapple with the question: “How often should I replace my car’s air filter?”

What Is an Engine Air Filter?

The engine air filter is an essential car part under the vehicle's hood, housed in a plastic or metal box inside the air intake system. It’s typically made from pleated paper or multi-layered cotton and acts like a sieve, allowing clean air to pass through while trapping contaminants. Essentially, the filter’s job is to capture airborne particles measured in microns—as low as 5 or 10 microns—so they don’t enter the engine and impede its performance.

Benefits of Changing the Car Air Filter

Since you’re reading this, you must be wondering how often you should change your car’s air filter, but have you considered what happens when you take too long to change it? Over time, the filter gets dirty, and that’s not good. Driving with a dirty air filter is like trying to breathe through a thick scarf. A clogged filter can suffocate your car's engine, affecting its performance.

Now, let’s pivot to the brighter side—the benefits of giving your car a fresh air filter:

- Fewer Emissions: A clogged air filter can lead to an imbalanced fuel-air mix and subsequent starting issues, misfires, and black smoke from the tailpipe. Regular replacement prevents these problems and reduces vehicle emissions.

- Less Fuel Consumption: Your engine needs steady airflow to function optimally. With a clogged filter, it has to work harder and use more fuel. Conversely, a clean filter improves fuel economy, saving you money at the pump.

- Longer Lifespan: If your engine has to work harder because of a clogged air filter, its components are also more susceptible to breakdown. Replacing the filter before it gets too dirty prolongs the engine’s lifespan.

When to Replace Car Air Filter

Knowing when to replace your car’s air filter is crucial for maintaining engine health. A few telltale signs of a bad filter include:

• Decreased fuel efficiency
• Odd engine sounds
• Misfiring engine
• Reduced horsepower

Furthermore, if you notice an unpleasant odor or black smoke coming out of your tailpipe, it's high time to check that filter.

So, how long do air filters last in a car? Experts recommend changing your engine air filter about every 15,000 miles, which is about once a year. It’s best to consult the specialists, like the technicians at Take 5, since the exact timing may vary based on your vehicle's make, model, and driving conditions. It's always better to be proactive and seek expert advice to help your car maintain its optimal performance.

The oil change process includes replacing the oil filter, but technicians don’t always replace the engine air filter. With a better understanding of how often to change the air filter in your engine, you can request it when your vehicle comes due.

Trust the Experts at Take 5 for Quality Air Filter Changes!

Still not sure how often you should change your car air filter? Swing by Take 5! With excellent customer service, top-quality auto parts, and locations near you, we'll ensure your car breathes easily and runs smoothly.

You can visit us for an oil change and air filter replacement or head through the car wash without getting out of your car. Before you stop by, check out our coupons to save on your service. We look forward to serving you.