In general, a filter should be changed every year or every 20,000-25,000km, whichever comes first, but there are a few important signs to look for that mean a replacement should be a priority.

1) Ignition Problems

If your vehicle fails to start completely, then a flat battery is the most likely cause. However, if ignition is slow and unreliable but still usually happens on the second or third attempt, then a degraded filter that’s restricting airflow is probably the reason.

2) Gasoline Odours

If the engine isn’t burning fuel efficiently, you might notice a gasoline odour coming from the exhaust pipe when your vehicle is first started. If you start to notice a smell of gas in your garage every morning, it’s worth checking if a faulty air filter is the culprit.

3) Slow Performance

If your vehicle doesn’t respond as quickly to the gas pedal as it once did, poor airflow through a dirty filter could be the cause. A blocked filter means the gas doesn’t burn as cleanly and easily as it should, and this tends to show up as lacklustre or jerky acceleration.

4) Reduced Economy

A lack of clean air also means the fuel isn’t converted into energy quite so efficiently, and you’ll start to get fewer kilometres of driving from every litre of gas. It’s estimated that a dirty air filter can reduce fuel economy by up to 10%, so changing the filter could be a highly economical move to make.

5) Coughing and Spluttering

Modern engines should purr smoothly without any coughing and spluttering. If your vehicle starts to make unusual noises, especially when accelerating, then a blocked air filter is potentially at fault. Changing the air filter as part of a comprehensive service appointment could make your vehicle perform like it did when fresh from the factory.

6) Smoke in the Exhaust

If you see plumes of smoke coming from the exhaust when you first start the engine, it’s a clear sign that the engine isn’t receiving enough air to burn the fuel cleanly and efficiently. In extreme cases, you may even see a brief flame bursting out as impurities igniting in the hot fumes. In either case, any emissions from the exhaust should be checked out both for safety’s sake and to prevent damage to the engine.

7) Illuminated Engine Light

The ‘check engine’ light on your vehicle’s dash can be a warning of many problems, but it generally means that there’s a lack of power passing from the engine to the transmission, and a blocked filter is a prime suspect for causing this. Arranging an inspection by a qualified technician will set your mind at rest that a quick and easy air filter change is the remedy, rather than needing anything more expensive.

Ensure Your Vehicle’s Health with a Service Appointment

Changing an engine air filter is a straightforward task, but any of these warning signs could also have a different and more costly underlying cause that should be fixed sooner rather than later. For peace of mind that your vehicle is in the best of health, please book a service appointment by clicking on the button below.