How often should the air filter of a car be replaced?
2 Answers
Car air filters should be replaced every 6 months. Below is relevant information about air filters: 1. Concept: A device that removes particulate impurities from the air. When piston machinery operates, inhaling air containing dust and other impurities will accelerate the wear of components. 2. Main 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 sucked into the cylinders, accelerating the wear of the piston group and cylinders. Larger particles entering between the piston and cylinder can cause severe "cylinder scoring," which is particularly serious in dry and sandy working environments.
I've been driving for over a decade, and I think air filter replacement really depends on how you use your car. For example, if you're mostly stuck in city traffic where the air is cleaner, changing it every 15,000 kilometers or once a year is quite appropriate. But if you often drive on rural dirt roads or in dusty areas, you might need to check it every 5,000 kilometers and replace it immediately if it's dirty. I remember one time I forgot to change it, and the engine noise got much louder, the throttle became unresponsive, and fuel consumption skyrocketed—I regretted it deeply. Actually, this little thing has a big impact: it filters out dust to protect the engine, saves fuel, and extends the car's life. I recommend regularly lifting the hood to check if the color has darkened. It's no trouble to replace it with a new one—you can buy one online and change it yourself for just a few dozen bucks, which is both convenient and cost-effective. Don't be lazy, or small issues could turn into big problems.