What are the consequences of not replacing the car's air filter?
3 Answers
The hazards of not replacing the air filter for a long time: 1. Accelerated engine wear and carbon deposits: It will accelerate engine wear and carbon deposits. If the vehicle is operated without an air filter, dust will directly enter the cylinder and mix with oil and gas for combustion. In this case, the degree of cylinder wear will be eight times that of a vehicle equipped with an air filter, three times the piston wear, and nine times the piston ring wear. 2. Dirty engine intake tract: Long-term use of a damaged air filter will not only allow dust to enter the engine but also invade the engine's intake tract, causing it to become dirty. 3. Decreased filtration efficiency: When the air filter is not too dirty, an air gun can be used to blow it clean. When blowing, pay attention to blowing from the inside to the outside. However, most air filters are made of coarse filtration and low wind resistance materials. During driving, the filter forms resistance to the airflow. When the dust accumulation exceeds a certain value, the filter resistance will increase, and the filtration efficiency will decrease.
I've seen many such issues when repairing cars before. Not replacing the air filter allows dust to enter the engine, which over time can lead to carbon buildup, resulting in insufficient engine power—you'll even feel weak when climbing hills. Fuel consumption also spikes dramatically, costing an average of 10% more on highways, which is totally not worth it. More importantly, a dirty filter left unchanged may cause engine overheating or even cylinder damage, leading to expensive repairs. I recommend checking the filter every 5,000 km, and replacing it sooner if driving in dusty environments. Developing this habit can save a lot on repair costs and protect the heart of your car. In short, regularly replacing the filter is a smart way to maintain your vehicle.
As an average car owner, I genuinely believe skipping air filter replacements is just throwing money away. Air filters aren't expensive—just a few dozen yuan each—but changing them saves fuel and money. I once delayed replacement for six months, and my fuel consumption increased by 15%, costing me dozens more in gas for a long trip. Worse yet, the engine started shaking and accelerating as slow as a snail. When I took it to the shop, they found the filter was clogged, forcing me to pay hundreds more in repairs. Long-term neglect could even shorten the engine's lifespan, and one major repair could cost months of salary. It's best to follow the maintenance manual—replacing it once a year is enough. Don't try to save small change here. Once you develop this habit, the car runs smoother, and fuel costs drop.
