Vehicle engine air filter
At the time of your oil change, you may be given some unwelcome news that the engine starts feeling a little sluggish after stopping at a red light, the car isn’t getting quite the mileage per gallon as before, and the air filter appears gray and covered in leaves, making it look like it needs to be changed sooner rather than later.
Before having any sensors, fuel lines or ignition parts worked on, it’s worth looking into the air intake first. While the filter itself is a relatively inexpensive part, it can contribute to rough running issues when combined with other conditions such as driving on dirt roads, the presence of allergens and stop-and-go traffic.
Under-Hood Inspection
It’s typically found next to the battery, under a large engine cover or behind a black plastic cover that may have some dirt caked into its latches. The rubber intake tube itself will often have a thin layer of dust on it, right around where it attaches to the plastic cover.
When the box is opened, don’t just look at the filter to see if it’s gray. It’s normal for a filter to have a few spots that appear black or brown. Any buildup that seems excessive or looks like bits of vegetation or dead bugs might indicate the air filter needs to be replaced. A bent or warped frame on the filter could also cause unfiltered air to get into the engine.
Here are a few telltale signs that the air filter may need replacing:
- Dust packed into the pleats at the edges of the filter
- Pollen or grass stuck to the gasket
- Dirt inside the lower portion of the air filter box
- Missing latches or a lid that’s sitting slightly ajar
Even though the filter may look dirty and in need of a replacement, the condition of the air filter box should be considered as well. Does the lid appear to sit flat against the housing or is a wire bundle caught in the lid’s frame?
Driving Conditions
For many drivers, the daily commute is filled with stop-and-go driving. You spend a lot of time in traffic, near construction sites and driving over dusty surfaces. These conditions make it possible for dirt to get into your engine’s intake faster than it would if you were on the highway the entire time. Other factors, such as driving on unpaved roads or cars that spend their lives parked under trees, can also accelerate the wear on an air filter.
A sluggish acceleration pedal does not automatically mean the air filter is the culprit. There are several reasons why your engine may run poorly, including worn spark plugs, bad fuel injectors, a vacuum leak or a faulty sensor. However, replacing the filter is a good place to start since it is an easy visual inspection and is generally something owners don’t tend to check until their air filter replacement is due.
In addition to replacing filters when they’re visibly dirty, it’s important to keep in mind that a filter may look clean from the outside but may have a buildup of dirt in the inner folds. Holding the filter up to the light can reveal any buildup that is visible only from certain angles, particularly in the corners of the filter where it meets the frame.
Replacement automotive air filter
Filter Fit
When replacing your vehicle’s air filter – CNET explains the why of it at www.cnet.com/roadshow, it is critical that it fits properly. While it may look identical to another filter, it could have different dimensions that prevent it from fitting correctly. A loose-fitting filter could allow unfiltered air into the engine. A filter that doesn’t fit correctly can also keep the cover from seating properly.
Before ordering a replacement air filter, confirm the vehicle identification number and the engine type – more on buy genuine MOPAR Air Filters Online if you want that route. This information is usually located on a tag near the windshield, inside the driver-side door jamb or on the vehicle registration. The engine type is also listed on a label under the hood, which could be obscured by a dirty hood strut.
Do not order a filter based solely on the image shown on a website or the general vehicle model. There could be an engine update, heavy-duty option or a special edition that requires a different air filter. Make sure you verify the exact application to avoid receiving the wrong filter, which would leave you with a filter box sitting open on your driveway.
Seven-Day Installation Check
Wipe down any dirt from the air filter housing before installing the new filter. Do not let the dirt fall into the intake ducting. Make sure the new filter is positioned properly in its housing and that the lid is seated evenly. When all of the clips are engaged, make sure the rubber gasket is properly seated all the way around, with no areas where the flap is folded over.
Ordering Details
To ensure you order the correct filter, make sure you have your vehicle identification number, the engine type and the part number on the old filter when searching online for your new filter.