Five major advantages of replacing air filters
There are at least 5 benefits of replacing your air filter periodically; better gas mileage, reduced emissions, improved acceleration, increased engine life and overall improved drivability. For each liter of fuel burned, the engine uses up to 37,000 liters of air; thus why it is easy to understand how vital a clean air filter leads to the proper operation of an automobile.
1. Fuel efficiency:
One of the biggest reasons to change your air filter periodically based on studies indicate that replacing a dirty air filter increases fuel economy. In addition, changing a clogged air filter can potentially increase acceleration by 6 to 11 percent on modern fuel-injected cars. Other studies claim a 10 percent increase in gas consumption. Regardless of the exact figures, it is obvious that a clean air filter improves air flow to the engine and increases engine performance and fuel economy.
The below is the data how important to clean the air filters;
90% choked air filter (only 10 % of the clean air filter is supposed to perform)
*Kilometers driven: 1,041km
*Average fuel economy: 6.724km/Liter
New air filter is used;
*Kilometers driven: 1,045km
*7.297km/Liter leads to 0.5km fuel economy improvement per 1 liter of gasoline
2. Reduced emissions:
Clogged air filters surely reduces air flow to the engine, literally choking it, and as a result affect the emission control systems of the car causing an incorrect air-fuel mixture and spark plug ignition problems which can lead to serious drivability problems. Increased air flow to the engine allows the vehicle to operate properly reducing fuel consumption and reducing emissions.
(One of the famous sports air filters)
3. Extends engine life:
Changing the air filter regularly helps prolong engine life because the air filter is designed to trap damaging dirt and debris that can damage internal engine parts such as the cylinders and pistons. Engine damage can occur from particles as small as a grain of salt and result in costly repairs.
4. Inexpensive and quick fix:
An air filter is one of the least expensive maintenance components to replace and can be done by doing it yourself (DIY). It is important to make certain the replacement air filter fits exact make and model of your vehicle. On newer, fuel-injected cars, the air filter is usually located near the top front or side of the engine by the throttle body (See the below two examples). The air filter is rectangular in shape and enclosed in a rectangular, black plastic housing that will normally have clips or screws keeping it closed. On older, carbureted cars, the air filter is round and located in a round metal housing above the carburetor that is secured by a nut.
(How the air filters are placed in V6 engine and in-line-four engine)
5. Easy tracking
Air filters should be changed every 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers or so, more often in dusty driving conditions. The owner’s manual maintenance schedule will indicate how often the air filter should be replaced. A dirty air filter might appear clean but should still be replaced at the recommended intervals.
A new air filter will increase gas mileage, reduce emissions, allow optimal air flow and improve engine performance. In addition, changing your air filter periodically will protect the engine and vital internal engine parts from excess wear and damage that result in drivability problems and potentially expensive engine repairs.
Appendix
There is another air filter for automobiles? Guess what? It is air filter for air conditioner as shown below:
(The comparison of old and new air conditioner filters)
1. Blocks pollen, particles, and pollutants from the exterior of the vehicle. An air-conditioner filter blocks an invasion of the pollen well and prevents hay fever.
2. Reduce odor from pets and tobacco.
3. Guards fungus and bacteria which cause allergy!
Protect babies with weak immune system from allergy caused by fungus and bacteria.
We recommend to replace air-conditioner air filter every year or every 10,000km.
To learn more about air filters, check out: http://blog.beforward.jp/auto-parts/engines-respire-engine-air-filter.html#more-4063
