What are the symptoms of a dirty air filter?
The air filter prevents debris, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the engine. When the air filter clogs or becomes dirty, it can hinder the proper airflow into the engine, causing issues. Some common symptoms of a dirty air filter include:
Reduced Acceleration and Power
A dirty air filter restricts the air reaching the engine, leading to an imbalanced air-fuel mixture. This can result in reduced acceleration, power, and overall engine performance.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
When the air filter is dirty, the engine compensates using a richer fuel mixture to maintain combustion. This can require higher fuel consumption and decreased miles per gallon (MPG) efficiency.
Rough Idling
A clogged air filter can disrupt the engine's idle speed and cause it to fluctuate or become uneven. You might notice the vehicle's engine revving up and down when it's parked or stopped at a traffic light.
Unusual Engine Sounds
A dirty air filter can lead to abnormal engine sounds, such as a rough or louder engine noise. This is because the disrupted air supply affects the combustion process and increases the engine's vibrations.
Check Engine Light
In modern vehicles, a dirty air filter can trigger the check engine light found on the dashboard. If the engine control unit (ECU) detects an issue with air intake due to a dirty air filter, it may illuminate the check engine light.
Foul Odor
A dirty air filter can bring an unusual odor into the vehicle's cabin, often resembling a musty or stale smell. This odor can be a result of inadequate airflow and the accumulation of contaminants.
Therefore, regularly checking and replacing the air filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations is essential to maintain optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle longevity.
Are you wondering what are the symptoms of a dirty air filter? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Puleo’s Auto Clinic to schedule an inspection of your car’s oil filters. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Washington, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
The air filter prevents debris, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the engine. When the air filter clogs or becomes dirty, it can hinder the proper airflow into the engine, causing issues. Some common symptoms of a dirty air filter include:
Reduced Acceleration and Power
A dirty air filter restricts the air reaching the engine, leading to an imbalanced air-fuel mixture. This can result in reduced acceleration, power, and overall engine performance.
Decreased Fuel Efficiency
When the air filter is dirty, the engine compensates using a richer fuel mixture to maintain combustion. This can require higher fuel consumption and decreased miles per gallon (MPG) efficiency.
Rough Idling
A clogged air filter can disrupt the engine's idle speed and cause it to fluctuate or become uneven. You might notice the vehicle's engine revving up and down when it's parked or stopped at a traffic light.
Unusual Engine Sounds
A dirty air filter can lead to abnormal engine sounds, such as a rough or louder engine noise. This is because the disrupted air supply affects the combustion process and increases the engine's vibrations.
Check Engine Light
In modern vehicles, a dirty air filter can trigger the check engine light found on the dashboard. If the engine control unit (ECU) detects an issue with air intake due to a dirty air filter, it may illuminate the check engine light.
Foul Odor
A dirty air filter can bring an unusual odor into the vehicle's cabin, often resembling a musty or stale smell. This odor can be a result of inadequate airflow and the accumulation of contaminants.
Therefore, regularly checking and replacing the air filter according to the manufacturer's recommendations is essential to maintain optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle longevity.
Are you wondering what are the symptoms of a dirty air filter? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Puleo’s Auto Clinic to schedule an inspection of your car’s oil filters. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Washington, NJ, and the surrounding areas.
