What are the effects of a very dirty air filter?
3 Answers
Air filter being dirty can cause engine noise and increased carbon deposits on the throttle body. Here is some relevant information about air filters: 1. Air filter: Mainly used for air filtration in engineering vehicles, automobiles, agricultural vehicles, laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and various precision operating rooms. The air conditioning filter can absorb dust particles, alleviate respiratory discomfort, reduce irritation for allergy sufferers, and protect the air conditioning cooling system. 2. Maintenance: The filter element is the core component of the filter, made of special materials, and is a vulnerable part that requires special maintenance and care. When the filter has been in operation for a long time, the filter element will have intercepted certain impurities, leading to increased pressure and reduced flow, at which point it needs to be cleaned promptly.
A severely dirty air filter can significantly impact your car's performance. Over my years of driving, I've encountered several instances of clogged filters - it feels like the engine is being strangled, with drastically reduced air intake. The car struggles to accelerate, and even flooring the throttle won't help when climbing hills. This leads to decreased fuel combustion efficiency, increasing fuel consumption by an estimated 10-15%, which naturally hits your wallet hard. If left unchanged for too long, dust particles may enter the combustion chamber, wearing down piston rings or cylinder walls and causing more serious mechanical issues like oil burning or even engine overhaul - the repair costs would be terrifying. That's why you should replace a dirty filter immediately and stick to regular maintenance without cutting corners. Generally, checking it every 10,000 kilometers is sufficient.
A severely dirty air filter first increases fuel consumption. The engine has to work harder to suck in more air to maintain power, burning extra fuel and raising monthly expenses. As a daily commuter, I've experienced a spike in fuel costs, roughly an extra hundred or two each month. Secondly, it weakens power output, making the car feel sluggish when climbing hills or overtaking, which affects the driving experience. Worse yet, dust entering the engine can damage internal components, leading to air leaks or reduced efficiency. Over time, this might necessitate an early major overhaul—penny-wise but pound-foolish. Here’s a bonus tip: if the cabin air filter is dirty, the air quality inside the car deteriorates, and excess dust can trigger allergies. So, inspect and replace it early to save both money and hassle.