How Often to Change Your Engine Air Filter

Your car’s engine air filter is an extremely important, albeit sometimes-overlooked part. What is it, and what functions does it serve to the engine? An engine air filter helps keep contaminants from interfering with normal engine operation. When it’s too dirty, the engine is inhibited from operating as efficiently as it otherwise could. So be sure to get a new air filter installed every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. Not sure if it’s time to get your engine air filter replaced now? Schedule service so our certified auto technicians can take a look for you and get the job done if needed.

What Does Your Car’s Engine Air Filter Do?

Engine air filters ensure that dirt, dust, sand, and other debris stays away from key engine parts. Over time, as the filter does its job, it can easily get dirty and clogged, reducing its effectiveness and even negatively affecting your vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. Here are some symptoms of a bad air filter:

• Slower-than-normal acceleration
• Black smoke spewing from your car’s exhaust
• Misfiring spark plugs
• An illuminated check engine light

A clogged or dirty engine air filter can also adversely affect gas mileage, although the change may be too small to observe at first.

Air Filter Replacement Schedule: Pro Tips

Your vehicle’s unique service schedule — which is usually found in your owner’s manual — should detail guidelines for how often you should change your engine air filter under normal use conditions. If, however, these things apply, then you should have your air filter checked out more often:

• If you regularly drive on dirt or gravel roads
• If you often drive in heavy traffic
• If you often drive in heavy traffic on hot days

Visually checking your air filter may be an easy DIY task depending on where it’s located in your vehicle. In most , you can probably get away with regular air filter checks at home, but many Oshkosh and West Bend drivers still choose to get this done during routine maintenance like Quick Lube service.

Keep Your Car Running in Top Condition at Holiday Automotive

Holiday Automotive has locations near Sheboygan, Beaver Dam, Ripon, and beyond for your convenience. Stop by the closest one today for an air filter change or checkup! Call 866-807-8084 to schedule service now. Meanwhile, be sure to explore all of our service tips and DIY hacks.