When was the last time you changed your 2008 Honda CRV air filter? Air filters are one aspect of vehicle maintenance that many owners neglect.
Auto mechanics will often ask vehicle owners if they want to change the filter while performing other work, but many decline the added expense. The problem with declining the offer is that most car owners forget about the air filter later, meaning they continue to drive with it dirty and clogged.
While a dirty filter might not seem like the end of the world, it can cost you in the long run. Air filters play an integral role in vehicle operation and longevity. Experts explain there are at least five benefits of changing your filter routinely.
1. Keep Pollen Out
One of the significant benefits of an air filter is that it keeps pollen and other allergens out of the engine and cabin. An old 2008 Dodge Avenger air filter is likely clogged with years of debris. The older an air filter is, the more likely it is to fail in its primary function: to filter the air entering your engine.
Old filters can cause insufficient air circulation. They can also allow random particulates into the engine to muck about the intricate and delicate components that allow you to drive without issue.
2. Protects Engine
Many vehicle owners do not realize the damage small particles can cause. A particle the size of a single grain of salt can damage a vehicle’s cylinders, pistons, and other delicate components. Therefore, a 2001 Honda Civic air filter helps the two-decade-old vehicle continue to operate.
Avoiding frequent or routine replacements of air filters can significantly damage the engine. In some instances, dirty air filters can shave miles and years off the life expectancy of a car.
3. Improves Fuel Efficiency
Gas prices remain at record highs, meaning fuel efficiency is more important than ever. Improved fuel economy is one of the primary reasons to change air filters.
Older, carburetted cars need all the help they can get regarding fuel economy. According to one study, replacing dirty air filters can improve fuel mileage by about 14% in older vehicles. Other reports claim an improvement of 10% in gas mileage and a per gallon savings of up to $0.15.
4. Improves Airflow
Airflow is vital to emissions reports, fuel consumption, and overall engine performance. A dirty or clogged filter decreases airflow through the engine, which affects the air-fuel mixture and contributes to deposits in the system. A too-rich air-fuel mixture leads to an increased risk of engine damage. Routine air filter changes can eliminate or reduce most of the risks and help ensure your engine continues to run efficiently.
Air filters are more important than most people realize. The longer you wait to replace your car’s filter, the greater risk you take. Dirty and clogged filters inhibit fuel economy, engine operation, and air quality. If you would like to learn more about your vehicle’s air filter or how often your filter needs changing, contact a local auto parts store.
