How Often to Change an Engine Air Filter

Engine air filters are a small, often overlooked but crucial part of your vehicle’s system. Most drivers around Waco don’t know how often to change their engine air filter, much less what it does in the first place. “How often should you change your engine air filter?” you ask. While the rule of thumb can change depending on your make and model, most automakers recommend that you install a new replacement engine air filter every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. Allen Samuels Auto Group recommends consulting your owner’s manual just to be sure.

What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

Now that you know how often to change your engine air filter, it’s time to learn about what purpose it serves. Your engine air filter simply keeps debris from contaminating your engine. When dirt gunks up the oil on your engine’s fine moving parts, it not only increases their rate of deterioration but it slows down your engine’s movement, making it that much harder for it to combust. The signs that your engine air filter is due for a replacement are:

• Lower fuel economy numbers
• Misfiring spark plugs
• A flashing engine light
• Black exhaust
• Slower acceleration

Air Filter Replacement Schedule

As previously mentioned, how often to change your engine air filter can depend on your particular model, and you should consult your owner’s manual. However, there are a few other things to consider. If you drive often around Waco roads or you often drive on gravel or ill-maintained streets, or if you regularly drive in heavy Waco traffic on hot days, you should change your car air filter more often and consult your mechanic for a custom schedule.

Fortunately, air filters are easy to inspect yourself. Just open the air filter compartment under the hood. If it’s black or choked up with debris, change it out. For more service tips like removing smoke smell from a car and more, visit Allen Samuels Auto Group.

Let the Auto Mechanics at Allen Samuels Auto Group Help with Filter Replacement!

If you find you’re in need of a replacement engine air filter around the local area, don’t hesitate to reach out to the mechanics at a Allen Samuels Auto Group dealership in the Waco area. We have competitive prices on already affordable air filters and can help with a low-cost engine air filter. Contact us online for more details, and while you’re here, be sure to check out our other help guides on topics ranging from “how often to change your oil” to “how often you should change your spark plugs.”