Did you know that your vehicle's engine air filter is critical to overall performance? In fact, a dirty air filter can lead to a host of issues. At C&S Subaru, we want to make sure that you get the most out of your vehicle. That's why it is important to know the effect that a dirty air filter can have on performance. 

What Does an Air Filter Do?

An engine air filter is responsible for protecting your engine from contaminants that could harm vehicle parts and components. The engine air filter accomplishes this by stopping dirt, debris, and other contaminants while allowing a free flow of oxygen into the engine. When an engine air filter does its job properly, your engine is able to get the oxygen and fuel mix it needs while keeping contaminants out. 


How a Dirty Air Filter Affects Performance?

There are a number of ways that a dirty air filter can adversely affect performance. Here's a look at the top five issues that can be caused by a dirty air filter. 

1). Robs your engine of power

Because your engine is not getting enough oxygen, its air-fuel mix will not be properly balanced. That can lead to a decrease in overall power. Imagine for a moment that your engine has a maximum horsepower rating of 200. With a dirty air filter, you may only be able to get about 150 horsepower from your engine. 

2). May cause overheating

Also, a dirty air filter will not be able to provide the oxygen needed to provide a proper air-fuel mix. This can cause the temperature of your engine to rise to dangerous levels. Eventually, your vehicle's engine could overheat which could lead you to the side of the road. 

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3). Can lead to engine damage 

A dirty air filter can also lead to engine damage since your vehicle will not have the oxygen needed to function properly. This can be a major issue since your engine is the most complex part of your vehicle. 

4). Decreasing fuel economy

Are you noticing that you are not getting the fuel economy that you are used to? This could be due to a number of reasons. That includes having a dirty air filter. This is because your engine will not be able to operate efficiently with a lack of oxygen. 

5). Leads to decreased acceleration 

If you like to get a nice jump from a starting position, or you want proper passing power on the highway, then a dirty air filter will get in the way. In order to get instant power from your engine, it will need a free flow of oxygen. Of course, a dirty engine air filter will not be able to provide your engine with the proper amount of air. 


Sign of a Dirty Air Filter

Be sure you know the signs of a first engine air filter. If you notice any of the following signs, then you should have your vehicle's air filter changed right away. 

1). Air filter appears dirty

One of the first indicators of a dirty air filter is a dark color on the filter itself. A new engine air filter will have a white filter. Over time, that filter will begin to darken. However, if the engine filter has a dark gray or black color, then it will be due for immediate replacement. 

2). Your engine misfires

Because your engine is hobbled by a lack of oxygen from dirty air filters, it is bound to start misfiring. Therefore, if you notice that your vehicle's engine is misfiring, you will want to check your vehicle's engine air filter. Now, a misfiring engine could be due to other issues. However, it is a good idea to check the air filter. 

3). Strange engine noises 

If you are hearing strange noises coming from your engine, then you will certainly want to have your engine air filter inspected. Over time, a dirty engine air filter will cause issues for your engine parts. That can include a lack of oxygen that could cause the engine to make strange noises. 

4). Check engine light comes on 

Your vehicle's check engine light is a sort of "catch-all" indicator that there is an issue with your vehicle's engine. In fact, a check engine light can be triggered due to a number of issues from a loose fuel cap to a failing catalytic converter. If you notice that your vehicle's check engine light is on, then you should check your vehicle's check engine light.

5). Reduction of horsepower 

Not getting the power that you are used to? A dirty engine air filter will block the amount of oxygen coming into your vehicle's engine. That will reduce engine efficiency and rob you of the max power that you can get from your vehicle. 


How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filter? 

It is. good idea to have your vehicle's engine air filter changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, you may want to have your engine air filter checked each time you have your vehicle's oil change. That's because certain driving behaviors can cause your vehicle's engine air filter to get dirtier at a faster rate. For example, if you like to do lots of off-road driving, then your engine air filter will likely get dirtier faster. 


Staying on Top of Your Vehicle's Air Filter 

Your engine's air filter is important to overall performance. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you are always driving with a clean engine air filter. Be sure to check your vehicle's engine air filter during each oil change. Also, be sure to look out for the warning signs of a dirty engine air filter. If you suspect any engine air filter issues, then be sure to visit us at C&S Subaru. We have a top service center which provides fast engine air filter replacement service. Don't wait. Your engine air filter can make all the difference in the performance of your vehicle.