WHAT IS AN ENGINE AIR FILTER AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
WHAT IS AN ENGINE AIR FILTER AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Posted on June 8, 2023
What Does an Air Filter Do?
Underneath, you’ll find a large, black ductwork that is responsible for directing air from the grille into the engine. From there, the air enters a large cube and inside that cube you will find the air filter.
Once the air is inside, the air filter works to keep dust, pollen, sand, dirt, and debris out of the air that will eventually continue into the engine. Hey, it’s a hard job, but somebody has to do it.
Why is a Good Air Filter Important?
Dust and debris are terrible for your vehicle. When they start to build up in your engine, they can cause it to misfire, breakdown, or lead to potentially expensive repairs. In extreme cases, a build-up of debris can cause your engine to shut down altogether.
How often should I Change My Air Filter?
Toyota recommends that you inspect your air filter every six months or 8,000 kilometres. However, it also depends on the condition of the air filter. It’s always best to check your Vehicle’s Owner’s Manual or you can search your vehicle’s schedule online.
Factors That Speed Up Wear-And-Tear:
- Summer Weather
- Heavy Pollen
- Gravel Roads
- Hot Climates
- Heavy Pollution
- Dusty Worksites
What if I Don’t Replace My Air Filter?
When an air filter becomes clogged with particles and debris, it begins to reduce the amount of air that gets into the engine. This tells your engine to add more fuel; however, this can create a ton of problems.
The extra gasoline can create deposits on your sparkplugs or simply be pushed out into the atmosphere from your exhaust system. If you’ve ever seen someone blow off dark smoke from their exhaust, a dirty air filter may be to blame.
Reduced airflow can also make your car less powerful and sluggish. Eventually, your check engine light will come on, but at that point, your engine might already have become less efficient and your spark plugs may be compromised.
Good News Is…
Changing an air filter is a simple task for our highly-trained technicians, and replacing one is affordable. Even better? Every time you come in for your Toyota mandated service appointment if necessary our technicians will replace it every time. Taking care of your Toyota will ensure it runs properly for years to come.