Most of today’s vehicle owners are well aware that routine maintenance is crucial. It improves a car’s performance and efficiency and makes it last longer. Maintenance also helps reduce repair needs. Though it won’t eliminate them altogether, it can certainly keep a vehicle’s engine, transmission, and other major components working properly and reduce the toll normal wear can take on them.
When people think of regular vehicle maintenance, things like oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and checking fluid levels usually come to mind. Those are definitely important, but they’re not the only points that need to be covered. One aspect of vehicle maintenance that often doesn’t get the attention and credit it deserves is changing the air filter. Though it’s a seemingly minor task, it’s an effective and affordable way to protect your vehicle and help prevent the need for more extensive and costly auto repair in Fairfax, VA.
Improving Engine Airflow
One of the reasons why changing your air filter is important is because it keeps air flowing freely through the engine. Just like people, vehicles’ engines need clean air to breathe. Air filters catch dirt, dust, and debris so they don’t get into the engine. Over time, though, those particles build up in the filter to the point where air won’t flow through them the way it should. Keeping the air filter changed ensures it doesn’t restrict the airflow your engine needs.
Boosting Fuel Efficiency
Changing the air filter, when necessary, can also boost your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Air is as crucial for the internal combustion process as fuel and fire. When your engine gets the right amount of air, it burns fuel more effectively. A dirty air filter can greatly reduce your vehicle’s fuel mileage because it forces the engine to work harder and burn more fuel to start up and run.
Protecting the Engine
Additionally, a clean air filter can help protect your engine. As mentioned, filters keep dirt, road grime, and other particles out of the engine. If those particles get past the air filter, they can cause excess friction and wear down the engine’s components. If your air filter is clean and in good condition, it can help keep that from happening. In turn, it reduces wear and tear to keep your engine running properly for longer.
Giving You More Power
Finally, keeping the air filter changed will give you more power. Proper airflow is crucial for engine performance. If the air filter is clogged or, even worse, dirt is getting into your engine, your vehicle will feel sluggish. It won’t accelerate as effectively as it should, and it won’t run as smoothly as it could. With a clean air filter, you’ll have all the power your vehicle was meant to give you.
Keeping Up with Air Filter Changes
Many vehicle owners don’t give much thought to air filters, but changing them is as important as any other aspect of routine maintenance. A clean air filter can make a major difference in how a vehicle runs, how much fuel it burns, and how much power it has. It can also make your engine last longer and help reduce the need for expensive repairs. Having the air filter changed at least once a year or every 15,000 miles or so is a simple, cost-effective way to protect your vehicle.