An air filter is an important part of a car’s intake system, because it is through the air filter that the engine “breathes.” An engine needs an exact mixture of fuel and air in order to run, and all of the air enters the system first through the air filter. The air filter’s purpose is to filter out dirt and other foreign particles in the air, preventing them from entering the system and possibly damaging the engine. Some tips:
- Check every 2-3 months
- A dirty air filter reduces fuel mileage and the lifespan of your motor.
- If you drive in dusty conditions, you may need to check your air filter more frequently.
- A dirty air filter can also cause your spark plugs, which ignite the fuel in the combustion chambers, to foul, as there will be too much fuel without enough air; if your spark plugs foul, you may have problems keeping your car running.