How & When to Change Your Car’s Air Filters
How & When to Change Your Car's Air Filters
Your air filter may not look like much, but it's integral to your engine's - and by extension, your vehicle's - performance. Simply put, your engine needs clean air to function at its best, and your filter can help by keeping dirt and other particles and contaminants from making their way into the motor. Find out how, when, and why you need to regularly change your air filter as part of your standard car maintenance below, and feel free to contact us at Erin Mills Acura in Mississauga, Ontario for further details or a service call.
How?
Firstly, you'll need to buy a new air filter, and you can easily find one among our Parts Centre's comprehensive stock of genuine Acura components. Next, pop the hood and locate the filter box, which is usually atop or to the side of your engine. Open the box, remove the filter, and take a good look inside its folds to see whether it needs replacing. If it does, all that's left to do is discard it, pop in the new filter, close the box, and you'll be good to go.
When?
Air filter checks and changes should always be included in your regular car maintenance schedule, and we recommend taking a look at your filter at least once a year or every 20,000 km - whichever comes first. If you often park or drive in dusty or dirtier areas, check it more often, and you can always consult either your owner's manual or one of our factory-trained technicians for details.
Why?
As for why you should regularly keep tabs on your air filter, the first reason is fuel efficiency, as a dirty filter deprives your engine of the air it needs to run smoothly and causes it to compensate by burning more fuel. Engines are also sensitive, and air filter checks and changes can go a long way toward prolonging its lifespan. Lastly, a clogged air filter can compromise your car's emission control system and make your ride far less eco-friendly.
If you have bought or aim to buy a model from our new inventory, we can facilitate your purchase and meet all your service and car maintenance needs. Drop us a line at Erin Mills Acura for more on how we can provide you with an optimal ownership experience.