Does Changing Air Filter Improve Performance?

Learn how changing your car's air filter can improve fuel efficiency and overall performance. Find out why it's important to replace your air filters regularly.

Does Changing Air Filter Improve Performance?

The most obvious benefit of changing your air filter is the increased fuel efficiency you'll see after you switch it out. This is because it improves the airflow to the engine, meaning your car doesn't have to work as hard and therefore burns less gasoline. This increased airflow can also help improve the overall performance of your vehicle, and replacing a clogged air filter can lead to improved fuel efficiency and acceleration, depending on the make and model of your car. It's easy to see why it's important to replace your air filters regularly. But how can an air filter make such a difference? A dirty or damaged air filter limits the amount of air that flows into the engine, causing it to work harder and consume more fuel.

Since the engine needs more than 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn every liter of fuel, it's essential not to restrict this airflow. Of course, if the air filter is damaged, it must be replaced. To ensure your car is running at its peak performance, it's recommended that you replace your air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions. It's best to review the maintenance schedule provided by your car manufacturer to get the proper replacement program. Simply replacing the engine air filter can increase power and, in some cases, even improve mileage.

However, installing a high-performance air filter could decrease fuel efficiency and engine life. It's important to note that a dirty air filter can significantly damage engine performance, but cleaning it will improve your overall experience with your vehicle. Your air filter collects all types of dust, spores, hair, dander and other particles that are pumped through the air conditioning system. If you notice any of these signs, the first step should always be to check the air filter and clean it if necessary. Cleaning your vehicle's air filter can lead to a number of improvements - from increased power and improved mileage to better acceleration and smoother running. If the air filter is full of dirt, insects or other obstacles, the engine may not receive as much oxygen as it needs.

Failure to close the filter housing properly could cause air to enter the housing that is not properly filtered. Changing just the air filter can disrupt the way a car's engine works with the gearbox and transmission. A clean air filter is designed to capture dirt and debris from outside air, preventing them from reaching the combustion chamber and reducing the likelihood that you will receive a large repair bill.