What does an air filter do?
Just as humans need oxygen to breath, your car’s engine also needs oxygen to perform the combustion process. The air filter is your vehicle's first line of defence and is designed to only allow clean air into the engine. It filters the air drawn into the engine thus preventing airborne contaminants such as dirt, dust and leaves from getting pulled into the engine compartment.
This relatively inexpensive part protects the more valuable parts of your engine from getting blocked and damaged by dirt in the air. Your engine needs air in order to operate properly, so failing to replace your air filter regularly could result in it becoming blocked. If this happens your engine could be starved of oxygen, and you may need to fork out for more expensive repairs.
How often should an air filter need replacing?
You should change your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. This varies from car to car, and if you're driving mostly on polluted city streets or dusty roads, it's a good idea to change the air filter more regularly.
Your engine needs air in order to operate properly, so failing to replace your air filter regularly could result in it becoming blocked. A dirty filter can impact the engine power and engine performance as well as your gas mileage and fuel emissions. Look out for the symptoms of a clogged air filter mentioned above so that you can have a replacement air filter fitted as soon as you notice problems.
What happens during a car air filter replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect your engine air filter and any related engine components
If necessary, they will clean or replace your air filter
After the new air filter is installed the mechanic will test your car to ensure everything is working properly
They will advise if any other related parts need to be replaced
When should an air filter be replaced?
You should change your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. This varies from car to car, and if you're driving mostly on polluted city streets or dusty roads, it's a good idea to change the air filter more regularly.
Your engine needs air in order to operate properly, so failing to replace your air filter regularly could result in it becoming blocked. A dirty filter can impact the engine power and engine performance as well as your gas mileage and fuel emissions. Look out for the symptoms of a clogged air filter mentioned above so that you can have a replacement air filter fitted as soon as you notice problems.
What are the symptoms of a dirty car air filter?
Usually, there a few signs you can look for:
The air filter appears dirty
You’re experiencing decreased fuel mileage
Your engine keeps misfiring
Reduction in engine power
Strange engine noises
Strong fuel smell
Flames or black smoke coming from the exhaust
Engine warning light illuminates
How often should you replace your car's air filter?
We recommend replacing your engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles - this will vary depending on your car and driving conditions.
What happens during a car air filter replacement?
Our certified mechanics will:
Inspect your engine air filter and any related engine components
If necessary, they will clean or replace your air filter
After the new air filter is installed the mechanic will test your car to ensure everything is working properly
They will advise if any other related parts need to be replaced
What is the average life of an air filter?
Air filters should last between 15,000 to 30,000 miles, however if you frequently drive on polluted city roads or in dusty environments, you may want to replace your air filter sooner.
Can you drive with a blocked air filter?
You should avoid driving if your air filter is clogged or very dirty as it can wreak havoc on other engine aspects as your car begins to struggle over time. A dirty air filter will reduce the flow of oxygen through your engine, reducing your engine performance and fuel efficiency. Therefore it could end up costing you more money in the long run, so it’s worth changing the air filter regularly.
Do air filters deteriorate with age?
Over time your air filter will become clogged up with dirt, debris and bugs from the air sucked into your engine compartment. They therefore need to be well maintained, cleaned and replaced when necessary. Usually air filters will need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to keep your engine happy and healthy.
The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT
Although there are no specific laws or regulations surrounding the condition of your engine air filter, a blocked air filter can affect your engine’s performance and emissions. Your car’s emissions are checked as part of its annual MOT test so it’s important to keep your air filter in good working order.
