Your engine can use 10,000 or more gallons of air for every gallon of fuel used. The air filter is a very important item to your engine, and can improve the overall mileage and performance. The air filter will trap about 98 percent of the debris that would enter your engine and cause engine wear rapidly. The low quality air filters are typically less cost but are also less efficient and may not trap the debris as a quality brand name filter would. The better quality filters are also treated with resins so they can withstand moisture better. When the dirt builds up on the air filter, the fibers begin to restrict airflow to the engine. The filter should be inspected or replaced about 15,000 miles regardless of its appearance.
This is because it is very hard to see how much dirt is embedded within the fibers. Most vehicle manufacturers say to inspect the filter at 15,000 miles and to replace it at 30,000 miles. I have found that 30,000 miles is way too long to leave your filter unchanged with all the airborne dirt in the air in Southern California. Many people do not know that to inspect an air filter you have to lift it from the air box housing and turn it over to see the condition of it. If you just lift the lid and peek inside, the filter will probably look like it is in good condition. The bottom side is where all the debris will be trapped inside the fiber strands. Many people think they can just bang the filter on the side and shake the dirt from it. The only thing you will be doing is dislodging the surface dirt but it will not remove the microscopic particles embedded in the fiber media. Most cars have a cabin filter also which keeps the debris from entering the inside of your car. This one should be checked often for the sake of your health and your passengers too. These filters can reduce the levels of carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of other vehicles.
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