A clean air filter is essential for your car's performance and longevity. But how can you tell if your air filter needs to be changed? Here are five of the most common signs that it's time to replace your air filter. The first sign is a visual one. A new air filter will be white or off-white, but as dust and dirt build up, it will darken. If the filter looks very dark and dirty, it may be time to change it.
Another symptom that your engine is having trouble breathing can be found when you step on the accelerator pedal. If the car moves forward and doesn't move as smoothly as you normally recognize, check the air filter further for dirt buildup. Black smoke and soot coming out of the exhaust pipe is another sign that your air filter needs to be changed. It may also smell like gasoline when the engine starts. A clear sign that the AC filter needs to be replaced is when the back of the unit is too hot.
If the filter is heavily soiled, you may feel warm air coming out the back of the unit. This will lead to more frequent air conditioning repairs and ultimately shorten the life of the unit. Finally, AC capacitor coils should not be covered with dust or dirt. Regular cleaning of dust and dirt will help your air conditioner work properly. If you notice a buildup of dust or dirt on your AC capacitor coils, it's time to replace your air filter. Most owner's manuals recommend changing the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
You can have your Sugar House tire shop technician do the job while your tires rotate and keep your care running at its best. No car is exempt from potential damage caused by a dirty air filter. Do yourself (and your car) a favor and be sure to replace this key component of the air intake system on a regular basis.
