For the car to work efficiently, its power was maximum, it is necessary to conduct periodic maintenance. In the course of this action several operations are performed. One of them is replacing the air filter. This is an important detail, on which the power of the car, as well as the amount of fuel consumed by it, directly depends.
In order for the machine systems to work like a Swiss watch, you need to know how often the engine air filter is changed . This process can be done independently. This will save on visiting a specialized center.
Purpose of the air filter
To understand how often the engine air filter is changed , you must first find out the purpose of this part. This element is present in any model of the machine. It prevents the ingress of dust, dirt, roads into the combustion chamber of the engine. If there was no filter, foreign particles would get into the motor, which would interfere with its operation.
Oxygen is consumed during fuel combustion (after all, this process is impossible without it). At 100 km, the engine consumes 12-15 m³ of air. Therefore, monitoring the condition of the filter is extremely important. Over time, the dust clogs inside it. The motor cannot operate at full power. Fuel is consumed more than with the new filter.
In addition to the above functions, the air filter also acts as a silencer. In gasoline engines, it also controls the temperature of the fuel.
The main types of filters
When wondering how often you need to change the engine air filter , you should also consider the types of this part. There are three types in total. It’s easy to find a filter under the hood. In the upper part of the engine (sometimes on the side) this element is located. It looks like a plastic case of a dark color.
There are cylindrical, frameless or panel filters. Due to certain features of the operation of this element, each manufacturer chooses one or another variety.
The most common material from which such parts are made is cardboard. But in many countries, synthetic fiber materials are preferred. Manufacturers must indicate the frequency with which it is necessary to replace these elements.
Classification
Considering how often the engine air filter is changed in a car , it should be said that there are several classifications of these parts. To choose the right variety, you need to choose the option that is suitable for a particular car.
Filters vary in form. They can be flat, square, round, etc. By the method of filtering, direct-flow, inertial-oil, and also cyclone ones are distinguished. Depending on the operating conditions, there may be heavy or conventional cleaners. Filters also vary in their level of restraint. They are single or multi-stage.
This diversity is explained by the constant development of technologists in the field of extending the operational characteristics of the car. New views on the problem of providing high-quality air purification are constantly appearing. But older car models work with those versions of filters that were developed by the manufacturer during the vehicle’s production period.
Replacement factors
Studying how often it is necessary to change the engine air filter , it is necessary to consider the factors that affect this. In some cases, the cleaning elements become clogged faster than indicated by the manufacturer in the operating instructions. This may be due to severe engine operating conditions.
In the summer season, dust from the road rises more. If the car is driving in the snow, the air filter clogging is much slower. Also, in addition to dirt from the external environment, engine oil may enter the cleaner. This also leads to the need to replace this element of the motor.
If the engine is new, it is operated in relatively clean conditions, and replacement is much less common. For cars with high mileage that drive on dusty roads, this process will have to be done more often.
Manufacturer's recommendations
There are clear manufacturer recommendations for the cleaner. The manual contains all the necessary information about how much this element can be operated. Therefore, before performing maintenance on the engine, you need to look into the accompanying documentation and familiarize yourself with the statements stated there.
It happens that the cleaner for the mileage indicated in the instructions did not have time to get dirty. In this case, the question may arise about how often a clean engine air filter is replaced. The unambiguous answer will be the generally accepted opinion that in this case, you can continue to operate the cleaner.
Typically, in domestic cars, the filter requires replacement every 10 thousand kilometers. For new models of cars, this figure can increase to 20-30 thousand km. The newer the car, the less often you will have to change this part.
Signs of a need for replacement
If the owner of the vehicle did not pay attention to recommendations on how often the air filter of the car engine is changed , characteristic signs of engine malfunction will appear over time. This should not be allowed.
First of all, the driver may notice an increased consumption of the combustible mixture. If the filter becomes dirty, the fuel inside the motor begins to enrich, which leads to insufficient power of the mechanism. For combustion to occur fully, he needs a sufficient amount of air.
The next sign is the appearance of a large amount of carbon dioxide in the exhaust mass. If at the same time there is a decrease in engine power, it is time to perform an immediate inspection. If even after the appearance of such signs, the car owner does not take any measures to service the filter elements, he will soon have to change the engine.
Harm of the old filter
Experienced craftsmen give tips on how often they change the engine air filter. Expert recommendations indicate the need for a one-time use of this element. Even if the driver rinses the cleaner, this does not guarantee its effectiveness. Even the externally light filter that the car owner receives after washing the material, still remains unsuitable.
Particles remaining in the structure of such a device will negatively affect the electronic control system of the air supply inside the combustion chamber. In this case, the flow meter is primarily affected. It will have to be changed soon.
A reusable filter harms the internal combustion chamber. Microscopic scratches appear on pistons and liner walls. Then they become cracks. Over time, this can damage the entire engine.
How to change a filter
Considering the question of how often it is possible to change the engine air filter , it should be said about the procedure of this process itself. If necessary, you should contact the technical service. To save money, it is quite possible to do all the actions yourself. There are no difficulties in this.
It is necessary to open the hood. The filter is usually made of dark plastic. It is located at the top or side of the motor. The cleaner body is held by several metal clips. With a screwdriver they open. The filter is easy to get out of the housing. In some cases, it is fixed with screws. In this case, they simply unscrew.
The filter material is usually bright, so that drivers can independently assess the degree of pollution. By looking at the cleaner in the light, you can easily determine if replacement is necessary.
Expert Advice
Experienced car enthusiasts are ready to give advice on how often they change the engine air filter . They recommend combining this procedure with a replacement engine oil. As a rule, this happens every 10-15 km. At the same time, it will be possible to service the entire engine, ensuring its long reliable operation.
In order for the procedure to pass quickly, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's instructions in advance, to understand the structure of the engine. You must purchase an air filter in accordance with the brand of your car. More modern devices may also be on sale. But before buying them, you need to determine whether such filters are suitable for the system of a specific motor model.
Also, experts advise not to save on the purchase of such spare parts. After all, the operation of the entire motor depends on the quality of the filter. Its repair or even replacement will be very expensive.
A few more features
In the question of how often the engine air filter is changed , there are a few more subtleties. Depending on the type of motor, there are some recommendations on the frequency of this process. If the engine is new, it is not used in difficult conditions, then the oil is replaced more often than the air filter. The cleaner is put new after the time when lubricants are poured.
Turbocharged diesel engines require a more serious approach to such a procedure. Operational features of such mechanisms require a reduction in the duration of operation of the air filter. In diesel engines, turbine machines, oil and filter are replaced each time during maintenance.
The cost of repairing or acquiring a new motor is very high today. Therefore, it is better to change the air filter on time, and perform service regularly. The cost of such a procedure is not comparable with the possible losses incurred by the failure of the machine engine.