It seems as though we are always changing filters to keep our things running effectively. We change the filters in our air conditioners, furnaces, and even our coffee pots! But when is the last time you thought about changing the air filter in your car? As important as it is to your vehicle, it isn’t something that is changed as often as it should be by most consumers, usually not until a problem arises or performance decreases. It is something that doesn’t always fall under proper preventative maintenance for your vehicle, but should.

Drivers in the Arizona area should be even more aware of their need for changing the air filter in their vehicle after the latest massive dust storm swept across the city causing many drivers to wait it out. In the meantime, air filters everywhere were being nailed with extreme amounts of dust and debris, and have probably hit the point of being changed. As any auto repair shop will tell you, changing your air filter is important for many reasons. As explained on Car Talk, an air filter stops airborne contaminants from getting into the engine. It is a paper filter that stops debris like dust, leaves, and other objects before they get into the engine and cause harm. Eventually, without changing the air filter, it will get clogged and not work effectively. It will not allow the engine to suck in enough air into the combustion chambers. The engine will then “run rich” meaning too much gas and not enough air. Your car can lose power and run less effectively at this point. A dust storm of this magnitude has no doubt put extra dust and debris into the air filter, causing clogging.

Changing the air filter is a simple and fast task for a certified auto repair shop in the area. As you can see in the MSNBC video, the dust storm trampled the area taking with it all the dust and debris it could. Again, as previously mentioned, cleaning the air facilitates your car’s operation by trapping small particles of litter or debris, such as sand or dust that can quickly build up and slow an engine’s performance. With this being said, without a clean air filter, the engine could deteriorate more quickly due to excess wear and tear, and you may not enjoy the stuffy feeling inside the car. It will save you time, money, and problems with performance later on.