Can a car run without an air filter?

[BraydenMarie]

No, a car cannot run without an air filter. Here are the relevant explanations: Function: During operation, the engine needs to intake a large amount of air. If the air is not filtered, the suspended dust particles in the air will be drawn into the cylinders, accelerating the wear of the piston group and cylinders. Purpose: Without an air conditioning filter to purify the air, once these particles enter the cabin, they not only contaminate the car's air conditioning system and reduce the performance of the cooling system, but also pose health risks. Inhaling dust and harmful gases can cause allergic reactions, lung damage, irritation from ozone exposure leading to mood disturbances, and unpleasant odors, all of which compromise driving safety.

[VonThomas]

I used to drive an old car without an air filter, and it ran fine—at least the engine didn't fail immediately. But it's like making the engine inhale dust and drink dirty water. It might be okay in the short term, but long-term damage is inevitable. The air filter mainly blocks debris from the air to protect the engine's internal components. Without it, dust directly enters the cylinders, wearing out piston rings and valves, and accelerating part aging. I've seen a friend's car run like this for a few months, only to end up burning oil and needing a costly overhaul, costing thousands. Honestly, it might work temporarily for short distances, like moving the car to a repair shop, but never drive long distances or at high speeds—otherwise, engine failure could become a huge headache. For daily use, regularly inspect and replace the filter—usually once a year or every 10,000 km. Don’t skimp on this small expense and risk major trouble.

[Mariana]

The air filter may seem insignificant, but it plays a crucial role. Without it, the engine might run for a short while, but the intake system loses its protection, allowing fine sand and dust to directly enter the engine, clogging precision components. Specifically, this can lead to decreased combustion efficiency, reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and may even cause more carbon buildup and valve sticking. The risk is especially higher in sandy or dusty areas. I've reminded many people: if the filter is torn or fails, even for just a few dozen kilometers, stop driving immediately. Replacing a new filter costs only a few dozen bucks, whereas engine repairs can run into thousands. Driving isn't just about getting from point A to point B; taking care of the details ensures your beloved car stays healthy.

[Lorelei]

From a cost-saving perspective: You might think skipping an air filter replacement to save a few bucks is smart, but it's not worth it. Driving without a clean filter might work short-term, but it harms your engine. Consider the repair costs: Dust buildup can damage the engine, leading to minor issues like a fuel system cleaning costing hundreds or major repairs like part replacements running into thousands. The filter itself is dirt cheap—just a few bucks for a new one, and it takes only 10 minutes to replace it yourself. Compared to the risks, it’s like picking up a sesame seed but losing a watermelon. I once tried saving money by delaying a replacement, and my fuel efficiency dropped by 10%—the extra gas cost alone exceeded the price of a new filter. Be smart about car maintenance; don’t lose big over small savings.