How Often to Change Your Engine Air Filter

Most Thomasville, GA drivers are diligent about maintaining their car’s engine with regular oil changes, but what about the other crucial engine components? For instance, do you know how often to change your engine air filter? The engine air filter often gets overlooked, but it too requires regular maintenance. Most experts say that the engine air filter should be replaced every 30,000 to 45,000 miles, but you should look for an exact interval in your owner’s manual, as it may vary based on make and model.

For more information on the engine air filter, check out the guide below, courtesy of the Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC service center.

What is the Engine Air Filter’s Job?

Without the engine air filter, your engine would take in lots of dirt, dust, and other contaminants as you drive through Crawfordville. Over time as the air filter prevents these pollutants from reaching the engine, it will get clogged, thus diminishing its effectiveness. The dirtier your engine air filter is, the greater the effect you’ll see on your car’s performance.

Here are some warning signs that you need to replace the engine air filter:

• Your car is slow to accelerate
• You hear a popping sound, which could be the spark plugs misfiring
• Black smoke is exiting the exhaust
• The Check Engine light is illuminated

Your gas mileage can also be reduced when the engine air filter is clogged. The change may be minor enough that you don’t even notice it, but you still won’t want it to go on this way.

How Often Should You Change the Engine Air Filter?

Your owner’s manual will tell you exactly how often you should change the engine air filter, but there are certain factors that might lead to you replacing it more often. If you bring your truck on a dusty job site every day or you often drive on dirt or gravel roads, you’ll need to change the filter more often.

The air filter is easily accessible in most vehicles, so it shouldn’t be a hassle to visually inspect it on occasion. If it’s very dirty, you can probably even replace it yourself without difficulty. All you need to do is open the filter compartment, take the clogged filter out, and pop in the new filter. To find the right filter for your Buick or GMC vehicle, check with our parts department!

Have Your Engine Air Filter Replaced at Dale Earnhardt Jr Buick GMC

Prefer to have a professional replace your engine air filter? Our service center isn’t far from Panama City. Schedule an appointment with us today, and contact us if you have any questions before your visit!