Vehicle Air Filters

Vehicle air filters are comprised mainly of a woven fibrous material similar to paper or fabric, and they're typically enclosed by a metal or plastic frame. There really isn't much to vehicle air filters, and they aren't typically expensive components, but they are a vital part of the intake system. The air filter provides the intake system with the clean air it requires in order to run well. It filters out potentially harmful particles of dirt and other elements that could damage the engine. With the proper amount of clean air and fuel, an engine can function properly.

If vehicle air filters aren't changed as necessary, a host of costly problems can occur, and affected components can cause a vehicle to run inefficiently. Vehicles with dirty air filters will use more fuel, and they can adversely affect the emission control system. Too much fuel without the proper amount of air in the system can produce dirty sparkplugs, and dirty sparkplugs won't effectively start a vehicle or keep it running properly. Problems such as these are easily avoidable.

Air filters should be checked each time the oil is changed. They require changing approximately once a year, but the expense of a new air filter is minimal compared to the problems that can occur if you forget about it or ignore it altogether. Keep in mind; it will require changing more often if you regularly drive on dirt or gravel roads where the air is generally dusty and dirty.

There's no need to hire a professional to perform this simple routine maintenance job. Although the location varies from vehicle to vehicle, air filters usually aren't difficult to locate or replace. Just look for a plastic tube leading from the top of the engine to the air filter housing. Remove the top of the housing, and if a hose is in the way, temporarily disconnect it for removal.