What are the effects of a dirty air filter on a car?
3 Answers
The effects of a dirty air filter on a car include: 1. Reduced filtration efficiency, leading to severe wear on the engine cylinders; 2. Incomplete combustion of gasoline, increased carbon deposits on the throttle, resulting in unstable idle speed, black smoke from the exhaust pipe, and abnormal engine vibration; 3. Blockage, causing insufficient air intake for the engine. The steps to replace the air filter are: 1. Remove the air vent on the glove box of the passenger side; 2. Remove the decorative cover on the right side of the glove box; 3. Remove the screws on the glove box, unplug the lighting wire, and take off the glove box; 4. Pull out the old air filter and replace it with a new one.
I remember last year my car's air filter was extremely dirty, which resulted in noticeably reduced power while driving, sluggish acceleration, and difficulty increasing RPM. Fuel consumption also surged, burning nearly half a liter more per 100 kilometers, adding over 200 yuan in extra fuel costs per month. Because the engine was sucking in dust and impurities, the noise increased, and it occasionally shuddered. The repair shop said prolonged conditions like this would cause carbon buildup in the combustion chamber, leading to accelerated internal component wear and shortened lifespan. Now I check it every 10,000 kilometers—replacing the filter only costs a few dozen yuan, making things much easier.
I enjoy tinkering with cars in my spare time, and a dirty air filter is no small matter. It can block airflow, causing the engine to intake air inefficiently, leading to insufficient oxygen and incomplete combustion. This affects acceleration performance, making the car feel sluggish, with unstable idling and a tendency to stall. Over time, carbon deposits can accumulate on spark plugs and valves, potentially causing engine failure, which is both troublesome and expensive to repair. Regularly cleaning or replacing the air filter protects engine efficiency, saves fuel, and extends its lifespan.
