Not only do you have air filters in your homes, but you also have them in your vehicles! Changing your air filter regularly helps prolong engine life. That’s because your vehicle’s air filter is designed to trap damaging dirt and debris that can cause internal damage in your engine. Engine damage can occur from a piece of dirt as small as a grain of salt. This could result in costly repairs. This is why preventative maintenance on your vehicle is crucial!

What is an air filter?

Air flows through your vehicle’s engine through its air filter. Made of a paper-like material, the air filter traps dirt, sand, and other debris. By doing this, your car’s precious engine is protected and it can last longer.

A worn out air filter can tear. This then allows dirt and debris to enter the engine where it doesn’t belong. Over time, all air filters get dirty and eventually clog up. This negatively impacts your engine’s air flow and ultimately, its performance. Replacing an air filter at regular intervals ensures your engine will always have good airflow.

How do I know when to replace my air filter?

Your engine air filter should be replaced between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Of course, this time frame also needs to take your specific driving conditions into consideration. For example, if you often drive on dirt roads, your vehicle will be more exposed to dust and dirt. This means the air filter will need to be changed more often. If you don’t drive a lot, you should change your air filter at least every three years since it can become brittle with age.

Another way to know if your air filter is ready to be replaced is by having an inspection done when your vehicle is in the shop for other services, such as an oil change. Typically, your mechanic can check the air filter’s condition during an oil change and inform you if it needs to be replaced.  

Types of air filters

Luckily, replacing an air filter at your local auto repair shop is not a very expensive job. It’s a fairly easy job in most cars. However, make sure the repair shop is using a factory (OEM) part from the dealer so that it fits properly. If you choose to go with an aftermarket part, it’s worth it to spend a little extra money for a top brand that offers the best engine protection.

Another option is a washable air filter. If it is a high-quality filter and is installed properly and cleaned regularly, it will work. However, there could be problems with it if it wasn’t installed properly. It is also possible that a washable air filter can create issues regarding your vehicle’s warranty coverage. Considering this, we recommend you do some research before installing a washable air filter. In the meantime, it’s a good idea to keep the OEM filter and hardware.

At Good Works Auto Repair we always use quality parts and will check your air filter when we are performing an oil change. Schedule an appointment with us today and take advantage of our free courtesy check!