What are the consequences of not changing the truck air filter for a long time?
2 Answers
Truck air filter not being replaced for a long time will cause weak acceleration and increased fuel consumption, clogged air conditioning filter, and internal engine damage. The following are specific explanations of the above consequences: Weak acceleration and increased fuel consumption: If the truck air filter is not replaced for a long time, it will clog the intake tract, affecting the engine's air intake, resulting in weak acceleration and increased fuel consumption. Clogged air conditioning filter: If the air conditioning filter is not replaced for a long time, it will also become clogged. Especially in summer, when the air conditioning is turned on, there may be little cold air coming out of the vents. Generally, it is recommended to replace the air conditioning filter once a year and the air filter every 20,000 kilometers. Internal engine wear: The air filter can block dust and road dirt from entering the engine. These hard particles will cause internal engine wear, scratching the cylinder surface, adhering to the surfaces of tightly fitted parts, and causing wear on exposed and lubricated components.
I've been driving trucks for long-distance hauls for over a decade. If you don't change the air filter regularly, the engine sucks in too much dust and the power drops immediately. It struggles on inclines, hesitates when overtaking, and won't respond even when you floor the accelerator. Fuel consumption skyrockets, costing hundreds extra per month just on gas. Over time, engine wear becomes severe with heavy carbon buildup on piston rings and valves – repairs can run into thousands. Once I forgot to change it, and the engine overheated and broke down on a mountain road, nearly causing an accident. In dusty environments like mines or construction sites, filters clog faster – best to inspect or replace every 5,000 km. Filters are cheap, but delaying replacement can lead to significant losses.
