What Happens If You Don't Change the Air Filter for 40,000 Kilometers?
2 Answers
Not changing the air filter for 40,000 kilometers will affect the engine's air intake, leading to sluggish acceleration. Consequences of not replacing the air filter in time: The air filter cannot effectively remove suspended particles from the air, causing accelerated engine wear and carbon buildup, shortening the engine's lifespan. In severe cases, it may even lead to "cylinder scoring," so regular replacement of the air filter is crucial. Here’s an introduction to car air filters: The typical replacement interval for an air filter is 10,000-20,000 kilometers, but this varies significantly depending on driving conditions. If the environment is poor, earlier replacement may be necessary. Whether an air filter can last 30,000-40,000 kilometers depends on its condition, but it’s best not to exceed the recommended replacement period. Always replace it within the specified timeframe. When installing a new air filter, ensure the correct orientation—there is a raised plastic tab on the lower right side to prevent incorrect installation. To install the air filter properly, the plastic tab must be secured into the filter housing's slot.
My previous car went 40,000 kilometers without an air filter change. At first it was fine, but later things felt off. Acceleration became sluggish, the engine seemed choked when accelerating, and the sound turned muffled. Fuel consumption skyrocketed—from 8L/100km to over 9L, costing an extra 100+ yuan monthly on gas. The mechanic said the filter was completely clogged, letting dust into the cylinders where it scratched the pistons and nearly damaged the spark plugs. The repair cost over 600 yuan, whereas timely replacement would've been just tens of yuan. In dusty urban areas with poor air quality, filters clog faster. Regular checks are advised—delaying hurts driving experience and long-term engine lifespan.
