The Importance Of Air Filters

The Importance Of Air Filters

We all know from visits to our favorite service centers that it's important to change out both of our vehicle's air filters regularly, but have you ever stopped to question why? It's easy to deduce that cleaner air would be better or both the engine and occupants, but what happens over time that could prove detrimental if you put off this service?

The cabin air filter's job is to remove particulates from the air that could be dangerous to the occupant's health. This includes pollen, mold, dust, and potential allergens that could affect the health of everyone in the vehicle. Over time the filter becomes clogged with these particles, and after a while these clogs force the air that would go in around the filter and forces less than fresh air through the filter itself. For those with allergies it can become a serious situation, with the air coming through an irritant even to those without allergies. 

The engine air filter works the same way the cabin air filter does. It removes impurities from the air taken in by the engine to be mixed with fuel to power the combustion. When dirt and other particles clog the engine air filter, it begins to choke out the engine itself. Loss of power is experienced along with various other performance issues. If t becomes severe enough, you may even have some damage to the engine over time. 

When attempting to determine when you need to replace your air filters, a visual inspection is best. Another great resource is your owner's manual, but the intervals are just an approximation based on average driving conditions. Our partners at Jerry's Collision Center of Baltimore, MD suggest a cursory inspection at each oil change, but under normal circumstances you may only need to replace them every two to three visits. 

When dealing with the health of your engine, passengers, and yourself, it's important to take into consideration what's going into your vehicle. Whether it's the gas, oil, or air, it's best to make sure you're getting what your car needs of all three.

Written By: Todd Hendrickson
Source: Ford Motor Corporation