5 Signs Indicating It’s Time To Change Your Car’s Engine Air Filter This Summer

It’s summertime, and that means road trips! However, ensure your vehicle is in good shape before heading out into the open road. One important maintenance task to perform this summer is changing your car’s engine air filter. If you don’t, you could have a costly repair bill. In this blog post, experts at Mazda of Fort Walton Beach will discuss the signs that it’s time to change your car’s engine air filter.

Sign 01: Decrease in fuel economy

One sign that it’s time to change your car’s engine air filter is if you notice a decrease in fuel economy. A dirty or faulty air filter will restrict the airflow to the engine, causing the engine to work harder and use more fuel. If you’ve noticed a sudden decrease in fuel economy, it could be time to replace your car’s engine air filter.

Sign 02: Check engine light is on

Another sign that your car’s engine air filter needs to be replaced is if the check engine light is on. The check engine light can indicate various issues, but a dirty air filter is one possible cause. If you notice the check engine light is on, take your car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

Sign 03: Your car will make unusual sounds

Your car’s engine won’t sound right if there isn’t enough air flowing through it. When you start the engine, it may be crying out for a new air filter if it’s sputtering, coughing, or vibrating. If strange noises only occur when your car is idling, you may have what is known as a “rough idle.”

If you notice your car’s engine making unusual sounds, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.

Sign 04: Smoke and flame coming out of the exhaust

When you start the engine, you may notice black smoke rising from your exhaust pipe(s), indicating that the air filter needs to be replaced. A popping noise or a flame at the exhaust pipe’s end are other possibilities. This might happen if the engine doesn’t have enough air.

A portion of the gasoline won’t burn entirely during the combustion process, and that fuel will escape the vehicle through the exhaust; when the gas in the tailpipe is ignited by the heat of the exhaust, a flame results.

Sign 05: Dirty air filters

Do a visual inspection of your engine’s air filters. Your air filter should be white or off-white if it is in good condition. The air filter will eventually get darker as dust and grime build up, making the dirt visible. You could need a replacement when it starts to look dull and dusty.

Check your car’s owner’s manual to see how often the air filter should be replaced. Depending on your vehicle’s make, it could be as often as every 15,000 miles.

Changing your air filter may be a part of a comprehensive tune-up that will improve your car’s performance and gas consumption. Additionally, it’s a good practice to identify any little problems that may be fixed before they grow into more serious ones.

Visit Mazda of Fort Walton Beach serving Milton, FL. Our trained professionals receive their instruction straight from Mazda, so they are familiar with your Mazda car inside and out.

Schedule your service today!