A car air filter allows clean air into the engine and prevents harmful contamination from dirt and dust. Over time the air filter will get dirty and clogged with debris which will affect engine performance. The following signs will warn you that an air filter replacement needs to be performed to keep your engine running smoothly. 1. The Check Engine Light Is On The check engine light comes on for a variety of reasons. A dirty and clogged air filter could be the cause. Air intake issues for a dirty air filter will cause deposits to accumulate. This will negatively impact engine performance and trigger the check engine light. more 2. The Air Filter Is Dirty When the check engine light comes on, perform a visual inspection of your air filter. A clean air filter will be a white or off-white color, but if you hold it up to the light, and you see dirt and dust, and it's a brownish color, it's best to replace it as soon as possible. 3. Decrease in Fuel Efficiency A common sign of a dirty air filter is reduced gas mileage. When not enough clean air flows through the filter, your car may burn more gas to produce enough power. If you get the air filter replaced, you may notice an increase in fuel efficiency. 4. Your Car Is Slow to Respond and Jerking When you press down on the gas and your car is sluggish to respond, and you notice jerking movements, not enough clean air is getting through to the engine. The problem may be easily solved by replacing the air filter. 5. Strange Engine Sounds You know what your car sounds like, and when you hear noises that you are not familiar with, it's always a reason for concern. When your car's engine is in good running condition, it will pleasantly purr. When you hear popping or coughing noises coming from under the hood, a dirty air filter could be the culprit and could possibly be polluting the spark plugs. Get the air filter replaced as soon as possible before a spark plug is damaged. 6. Hard Starts, Rough Idling, and Misfiring When the air filter is clogged and not enough clean air reaches the engine, unburned fuel residue can pollute the spark plugs. When your spark plugs are fouled, it reduces the spark necessary for the combustion process, and your engine will misfire. It will be hard to start your car, and the engine will idle roughly. 7. Strong Smell of Gasoline When you get a whiff of gasoline when you start your car, a clogged air filter might be to blame. You will smell a strong gasoline odor when the unburnt gas from a lack of air caused by a dirty air filter escapes through the tailpipe. 8. Black Smoke and Flames from the Tailpipe When the air filter is dirty and prevents clean air from reaching the engine, the fuel may not burn off as it should during the combustion process. This will cause heated fuel to leak out of the tailpipe. You will see black sooty smoke and might even see flames from the tailpipe and hear popping sounds. The moment you notice smoke or flames coming from your car's tailpipe, take your car to your technician immediately. Get an Air Filter Replacement in Maryland at Our New Carrollton Car Dealership Do you need to get your car’s air filter replaced? Get the care your vehicle needs at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of New Carrollton by scheduling an air filter inspection and replacement performed by qualified technicians.
