As a car owner, there are several maintenance tasks you must stay on top of to protect the health of your vehicle and avoid costly auto repairs. While you are probably aware to check the oil each month and keep an eye on your tire pressure, you may not know that the engine filter is also a key part of maintaining good driving performance.

How Often Should You Change the Engine Air Filter?

The air filter in the engine captures dust, dirt, and other elements before they can enter the engine and cause harm. Over time, however, this debris will begin to clog up the porous filter so that not even air can pass through. Without enough air, the engine cannot create enough combustion to power the vehicle. 

You can prevent performance issues by replacing the air filter according to your manufacture’s guidelines. Usually, this will be between 30,000 and 45,000 miles, but severe driving conditions, like regularly traveling on dirt roads or in heavy traffic, could increase this time to 15,000 miles for some vehicles.. 

What Are Some Warning Signs the Filter Needs Changing?

A dirty air filter can affect several areas of your car. One of the most notable symptoms is the engine begins having trouble starting. You might also notice the car starts to make a weird coughing or vibrating noise while it is idling. The decrease in power will also make it more difficult for your car to accelerate, and it might start to jerk when you press on the gas. 

Additionally, when the engine isn’t receiving enough oxygen, it will start to consume more gasoline. Unfortunately, because there isn’t enough air for the fuel to combust with, a large portion of it will go unburnt, so you are likely to notice a strong gas smell coming from the exhaust. 

Usually, you can tell if the air filter needs to be changed just by looking at it. Make it a point to add this auto repair maintenance to your monthly schedule to avoid unnecessary driving complications. 

If you aren’t sure where your engine air filter is or how to tell if it’s dirty, visit G & J Auto Center in Columbia, MO. Since 1995, this family-owned shop has provided auto repair services for all makes and models. They specialize in everything from wheel alignments to transmission repairs. Their technicians use high-quality equipment to provide thorough diagnostics. Call today at (573) 474-5819 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their auto repair services.