What Happens If You Don't Change the Motorcycle Air Filter?
2 Answers
The consequences of not changing the motorcycle air filter are: Increased fuel mixture ratio: The intake vacuum of the carburetor will change, leading to excessive fuel intake and a richer fuel mixture ratio. Damage to components: Unfiltered air contains impurities that can damage the engine's precision components. Air purity also affects the fuel mixture ratio, impacting vehicle performance. Severe power loss: The engine will experience significant power loss, difficulty accelerating, and increased fuel consumption. Types of air filters: Motorcycle air filters come in two types: dry and wet. Dry paper filters cannot be cleaned and must be replaced if excessively dirty or allowing dust to pass through. Wet foam filters can be cleaned with non-flammable detergents, but avoid using gasoline-based liquids as they may cause the filter to expand and lose its filtering effectiveness.
I used to ride a motorcycle and thought the filter wasn't important, so I didn't replace it. As a result, the engine noise became louder, the bike felt sluggish when climbing hills, and fuel consumption increased. Later, an inspection revealed that the air filter was completely clogged with dust, causing poor air intake and incomplete combustion in the engine, leading to severe carbon buildup. If left unchanged for a long time, it can also damage the oil filter, resulting in insufficient lubrication and increased engine wear. This is no small matter—it can easily lead to major repairs costing thousands of dollars, much more expensive than replacing a new filter. The mechanic said that generally, you should check and replace it every 5,000 kilometers, especially in dusty areas. Remember, regular maintenance saves money and hassle—don't let small issues turn into big troubles.