What is an air filter and why should I replace it?

What is an air filter and why should I replace it

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An air filter is the most important part of a car's intake system. It is through the air filter that the engine "breathes." All engines need a perfect mixture of fuel and air in order to run, and all of the air enters the system first through the air filter. The air filter's purpose is to remove dirt and other foreign elements in the air, stopping them from entering the system and damaging the engine.

Air filters are usually inexpensive, due to the filter's simple construction. An air filter is generally a paper-like material, folded accordion-style and arranged on a plastic or metal frame to fit your car's air filter box. An air filter can also be made out of a filament- or cloth-like material, which is then oiled in order to increase airflow through the filter. The oil also attracts impurities. The air filter box is usually a plastic or metal box in which the air filter sits. The air filter box is usually connected to the intake manifold by a large plastic tube or snorkel through which the air travels.

A clean air filter is imperative for your car's performance. This means that your air filter should be replaced regularly, or your gas mileage will suffer. A dirty air filter can also cause other areas of operation to run inefficiently, such as your emissions system, which regulates the car's air-fuel mixture and pollution control devices. A dirty air filter can also cause your spark plugs to foul. There will be too much fuel without enough air. If your spark plugs foul, you may have problems keeping your car or truck running.

Your should change your air filter or have it changed at least once a year. However, an air filter may need to be changed more regularly, especially if you live in an area with dirt roads, a lot of construction going on, or heavy pollution, as these factors can cause an air filter to fail more quickly. You should have a technician inspect your air filter, during an oil change and replace it if necessary. Most reputable shops will check it as part of the procedure, but you should ask just in case.

If you plan to change your own air filter, open the hood and look for a large plastic tube near the top of the engine. The tube should connect to a large box that may be round or square, plastic or metal. The air filter box will have a top that comes off with a wing nut or metal clips to access the filter. If the filter material is blackened, or you can't see through the media, the dirt is restricting the flow and the filter should be changed.

Replacing the air filter is one of the simplest maintenance procedures you can perform, however the filter is often neglected. Change the filter regularly to ensure optimum engine performance. You should place a tag of some sort on the air filter box to record the date and mileage as a reminder.

There are two main sources for your airfilter. You may purchase an OE (origianal equipement) filter or an aftermarket filter Either one may be purcased at Saw Autmotvie Parts Network.OE parts at aftermarket prices.

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