Does Replacing Air Filter Improve Performance?

The most obvious benefit of changing your air filter is the improved fuel efficiency you'll experience after the replacement. Since it boosts airflow to the engine, your car doesn't have to work as hard, thus burning less gasoline. Enhancing airflow to the engine can help enhance the overall performance of your vehicle. Replacing a clogged air filter can increase fuel efficiency and boost acceleration, depending on the make and model of your car. When you consider this, it makes sense to replace your air filters regularly.

How can an air filter make such a difference? A dirty or damaged air filter restricts the amount of air that flows into the car's engine, causing it to work harder and therefore consume more fuel. Since the engine needs more than 10,000 liters of oxygen to burn every liter of fuel, it is essential not to restrict this airflow. Naturally, air filters need to be replaced in the event of damage. However, to maintain the maximum possible performance of your car, it is recommended that you replace your air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km). This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions.

It is best to review the maintenance schedule provided by your car manufacturer to get the proper replacement program. Keeping in mind that your car's engine may require more than 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel used, clean oxygen is crucial for proper engine operation. In fact, according to the Car Care Council, replacing a dirty engine filter can improve fuel consumption by up to 10%. A clean air filter allows pure oxygen to enter the fuel-air mixture, while a dirty air filter reduces airflow and decreases fuel efficiency. Now that you know some of the key benefits of cleaning your air filter, there's still the question of how you can know it's time for a replacement. A simple visual inspection can keep your air filtration system, engine and entire vehicle in good condition. The aftermarket filter generated more power, but Fenske wondered if it actually filters less overall as well.

If your car is taken to a mechanic who checks the air conditioner or cooling system before inspecting the cabin air filter, you could pay for unnecessary repairs. Air filters are one of the easiest and quickest components to exchange for an aftermarket part, and many companies claim that their design will increase power, torque and improve acceleration. Once the filter is clean, you'll likely start to notice an increase in power, fuel efficiency, and other benefits. According to Rich White, Executive Director of the Car Care Council: “Checking the cabin air filter is a simple preventive maintenance step that goes a long way to protecting passengers, as well as the vehicle's HVAC system. Car air filters are designed to ensure an even and clean air flow in the engine, which aids in the combustion process.

While the original new and dirty filters were almost identical in their sprints (9.01 seconds from 20 to 60 mph and 3.61 seconds from 45 to 60 mph), aftermarket air filters improved that performance.

Don't Wait To Replace Your Air Cleaner — Postponing Air Filter Replacement Can Cost You Money On The Pump And Jeopardize Your Engine.

The filter prevents small particles from entering the engine and causing potentially costly damage (read more here). However, your car's two air filters — cabin air filter and engine air intake filter — still require periodic replacement. Although they may cost more, good filters provide the best combination of airflow and dirt-trapping ability. Clear air filters improve performance and economy: Late-model vehicles aren't as sensitive to a dirty air filter as older vehicles are, but that doesn't mean they don't benefit from air filter replacements.