Do you feel like your car is conspiring against you so that it always needs work when the budget is the tightest? Maybe it seems that the busier your week, the more likely you will need to put your vehicle in the shop. If this resonates with you, then perhaps it is time to be more proactive in your car maintenance.  Your car’s air filter could be the culprit for engine issues.

By staying a step or two ahead of car concerns, you will catch small problems before they become big ones. Simple tasks like changing the oil, inspecting the tires, and updating filters will make a difference. Many times, your oil filter will be changed out when you get an oil change. But the air filter is something can get forgotten about- especially if you do the oil change yourself.

Changing the air filter might seem a minor task but it is an important one. The job of the filter is to keep the engine from becoming clogged with debris, bugs, and dust. But how do you know it’s time to make a change?

When to Change Your Car’s Air Filter

• Engine misfire – Unburned fuel can cause your engine to misfire due to residual particles. This debris can build up on your spark plugs and inhibit operation. If you are noticing a consistent problem with your vehicle jerking or misfiring, check the air filter.
• Check engine light – This light can make a big difference. No one wants to see it come on, but it doesn’t always mean some pricey repair. Sometimes, it is just a filter that needs to be replace. Don’t immediately think the worst. First check the air filter for clogging, debris/buildup, or anything else that may be restricting air flow to the engine.
• Less power -Has your vehicle’s ‘get up and go’ got up and went? It may be due to a dirty air filter. Is your vehicle working harder than usual to go up hills? Or is it slow to respond when you press the gas pedal? If so, it might be time for a new filter.
• Black smoke – For the engine to engage it needs both fuel and adequate air flow. A dirty filter prevents air flow and can cause too much combustion. This will create black smoke coming from the exhaust.
• Car interior not cooling – Does it seem to take longer than usual for your car to cool off? Perhaps it is not getting as cold as it once did. These are often signs that you need to replace the air filter. Also, a dirty filter affects how your car operates and can make a difference in vehicle air quality. A dirty filter allows particles to enter your car triggering allergies and cause breathing issues.

If changing the air filter is on your To Do List, then head to your local AMSOIL dealer, Buy Great Oil. There you will find not just air filters, but oil filters, octane boos lubricants, and much more. Each of these products are designed to get you the maximum performance from your car. Less time on car maintenance task means more time for doing all the fun stuff.

So, if you are noticing that your vehicle is not handling as smooth as usual, check the air filter. It’s a great place to start and can save you time and money.