How to Tell if an Air Filter is Dirty?
2 Answers
Methods to determine if an air filter is dirty: 1. Observe the engine's operating condition. If the air filter is dirty, the air intake will be insufficient, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, which causes unstable engine operation. When continuously pressing the accelerator pedal, the engine sound becomes muffled, acceleration response is sluggish, and the exhaust is thick and black. 2. Check the surface color of the air filter. If the filter paper remains gray-black after cleaning off the dust on the surface, it indicates that the filter paper can no longer be used and should be replaced immediately. The car's air filter is installed in front of the carburetor or intake pipe to filter the air entering the engine. During operation, the engine inhales a large amount of air, which contains many dust particles. Without filtration by the air filter, it can accelerate the wear of the piston group and cylinder. If larger particles enter between the piston and cylinder, it can cause cylinder scoring.
While driving, I pay attention to whether the air filter is dirty by observing the engine's performance for any abnormalities. For example, if the car accelerates more slowly, the throttle response is weaker than before, or it feels sluggish, it might be due to a clogged filter restricting airflow. Additionally, fuel consumption may gradually increase. I keep track of my fuel consumption per 100 kilometers, and if it rises by a few points, I check the filter. Other signs include increased engine vibration at idle or rough running after startup. A dirty filter accumulates dust, affecting combustion efficiency. I recommend regularly opening the hood to inspect the filter's color: a new one is light yellow or white, while a dirty one turns dark gray, feels rough, and is covered in dust. For those who frequently drive on highways, check every 5,000 kilometers; for poor urban road conditions, inspect every three months. Timely detection and replacement can save fuel costs and protect the engine's lifespan.
