When is it time to change your vehicle’s air filter?

When is it time to change your vehicle's air filter? 

Regularly changing air filters is as important for your vehicles as it is your home. Filters are in place to protect your engine and your cabin from direct, dust and contaminants that could cause harm over time. To keep them up-to-date, we would suggest changing every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

How do you know if you need to change your air filter in the first place?

If you go long enough, particles and contaminates will start to accumulate and clog your air filtration. This may cause a reduction in engine performance and decrease fuel mileage, especially if your vehicle has a carburetor. Regularly checking your air filters is particularly important if you live in dusty or more polluted areas of the country.

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Poor engine filtration can also create engine misfires, noises under idle, rough idling, slow acceleration, and if not replaced in time – engine damage. Similar to your battery, a dirty air filter may impede your vehicle’s starts. It also may prompt a service engine light, necessitating a visit to your local service department to get it checked out. We may know a few talented technicians here at Hendrick Automotive Group that may be able to assist.

The other filter – the one for the cabin of your vehicle – is also important. Like most filters, they will stop being effective with all the dust, pollen and pollutants that are captured over time. One thing to keep in mind is these filters also trap mold and mildew and if you have not changed it recently, can build up and trigger allergic reactions and unwanted smells.

Another sign that your cabin air filter may need replaced will come from your air vents. If you smell a musty or rancid smell from your ventilation, it’s a sign your filters are full and need to be changed.

If you have any questions about when your air filters need to be replaced, schedule an appointment with a Hendrick Automotive Group service advisor for an evaluation.