What Are the Consequences of Not Changing the Air Filter?
2 Answers
If the air filter is not replaced, it cannot effectively filter out suspended particles in the air, leading to engine wear and carbon buildup, which shortens the engine's lifespan. In severe cases, it may cause "cylinder scoring." Below is a detailed explanation of the impacts of not changing the air filter: 1. Long-term idling of the engine can create a certain negative pressure at the back of the turbocharger's turbine and impeller, causing oil from the intermediate housing to leak outward. 2. Poor oil return results in excessive oil pressure in the intermediate housing, forcing the oil to squeeze out along the rotor shaft toward both ends and causing oil leakage through the sealing rings. 3. Excessive pressure in the engine crankcase increases the pressure in the turbocharger's oil return line, leading to poor oil return and subsequent sealing ring leakage. 4. A clogged air filter causes excessively high negative pressure in the compressor intake, resulting in oil leakage at the impeller's back due to the high negative pressure. 5. Worn or failed sealing rings.
Not replacing the air filter has serious consequences, as my old car clearly demonstrated. Last year when the filter got clogged and wasn't replaced, the engine struggled to breathe properly - acceleration felt sluggish, and it couldn't maintain speed going uphill. Fuel consumption jumped from an average of 7L/100km to nearly 9L, costing me dozens extra in monthly fuel expenses. In the long run, this cost far more than a new filter. The real headache came when mechanics later found dust had entered the engine, causing wear to piston rings and cylinders - repairs cost over a thousand. Since then, I check the filter every 5,000 km. Filters are inexpensive, but skimping on them isn't worth it. Accumulated dust also worsens emissions, affecting urban air quality. It's an easy DIY replacement - neglecting it could lead to premature vehicle failure with much greater losses.
