What are the effects of a very dirty air filter?
2 Answers
If the air filter is excessively dirty, the air intake will be insufficient, leading to incomplete fuel combustion. This can cause unstable engine operation, a muffled engine sound when continuously pressing the accelerator pedal, delayed acceleration response, weak operation, and thick, black exhaust emissions. The role of the air filter: The car air filter is installed in front of the carburetor or intake pipe to filter the air entering the engine. During operation, the engine needs to draw in 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. In summary, the function of the car air filter is to filter out dust and particulate matter from the air, ensuring that sufficient clean and dry air enters the cylinder. Replacement cycle of the air filter: The replacement cycle of the air filter depends on the car's usage and surrounding environment. Under normal driving conditions, the air filter should be replaced every 15,000 kilometers. If driving frequently in poor environmental conditions, the replacement cycle should be appropriately shortened, not exceeding 10,000 kilometers. It is advisable to develop a habit of regular inspection and timely maintenance.
I remember one time when I was driving to the countryside, the air filter was extremely dirty. As a result, the engine couldn't suck in enough air, the car accelerated as slowly as a turtle climbing a hill, and the fuel consumption kept rising, costing me a lot more money on gas. What's even more annoying is that dust got into the engine, accelerating the wear and tear on the pistons and cylinders. Over time, parts could burn out, leading to a major repair, and the exhaust emissions also exceeded standards, which is bad for the environment. Later, I started checking the filter every six months and buying new ones to replace them myself for just a few dozen bucks. It saves money and hassle, and the driving feel has returned to normal.