Your car’s air filter forms a first line of defense for the engine, and is too important to overlook.
Like all filters, your car’s air filter does eventually become clogged with the very things it is designed to filter out, and therefore needs to be replaced regularly.
However, many people overlook this important task, and suffer the consequences for doing so. Here are five reasons why you do not want to neglect checking and changing your car’s air filter:
- It saves gas. A clogged air filter can lower your car’s fuel efficiency. Replacing it with a clean filter can improve your fuel economy by several percent, saving you money at the pump.
- It protects your engine. The air filter keeps dust and other debris out of the engine, prolonging its life. Having a clean filter also helps ensure that your cylinders get the correct mix of fuel and oxygen. If that mix is off, the fuel will not burn cleanly or completely, leading to dirty spark plugs and the need for more frequent tune-ups.
- It protects the environment. The improper fuel-air mixture also increases the amount of harmful emissions produced by the engine. Besides increasing smog and your carbon footprint, this can cause your car to fail its state emissions test.
- It is an easy fix. In most cases, your car’s air filter is literally the easiest part to replace. You don’t have to go to a mechanic, and even if you do not want to do it yourself, most service centers will do the work and only charge for the part.
- It’s cheap. Air filters are among the least expensive of car parts. Considering the fuel and maintenance savings, replacing your car’s air filter will usually save you money overall.
Your car’s manual will tell you how often to check and change your car’s air filter, but it will generally work out to once every one or two years. Of course, with the ability today to swap leases, some people change their cars that often. If you have questions about swapping filters or cars, please contact us at Swapalease.com.
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