What are the effects of a very dirty air filter?

[GabriellaLee]

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.

[SanJourney]

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.

[DelDallas]

I've been concerned about environmental protection for many years. A dirty air filter can make it difficult for the engine to intake air, leading to inefficient combustion and producing more harmful exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which exacerbate smog pollution. Regularly checking and replacing the filter not only protects the car from dust damage, avoids power loss and high fuel consumption, but also reduces environmental burden—killing multiple birds with one stone. It should be maintained every 10,000 kilometers driven.

[PeytonAnn]

From a cost-saving perspective, a dirty air filter can cause significant harm. When the engine struggles to breathe due to restricted airflow, it consumes more fuel to compensate, increasing fuel consumption by 1-2 liters per 100 kilometers. Over time, this adds up to substantial extra expenses. If not addressed promptly, dust entering the engine can wear down critical components, leading to breakdowns with repair costs exceeding thousands. In comparison, replacing the air filter every six months costs less than 100 yuan, making it a highly cost-effective maintenance practice. Developing a habit of regular maintenance is highly recommended.

[LeLaila]

When the air filter is excessively dirty, insufficient air supply leads to incomplete combustion, increasing the engine's thermal load and accelerating wear on components such as piston rings and the crankshaft. In extreme cases, it may cause sudden stalling or malfunctions, posing driving safety risks. I recommend promptly visiting a professional workshop for inspection and replacing the filter with an OEM part to ensure smooth airflow, maintain the vehicle's lifespan, and avoid the inconvenience of roadside breakdowns.