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Air Now Supply Finding the Best Air Filter Page

Why Do I Need to Change My Air Filter?

Though you may not think about it, your cabin air filter should be changed periodically. Our cabin air filter is very important because it cleans the incoming air and removes allergens. According to the Car Care Council, your cabin air filter should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per your owner’s manual.

What Does My Car's Air Filter Do?

To keep the air you breathe purer, cabin air filters help trap bacteria, dust, pollen and exhaust gases that may find their way into your vehicle’s air conditioning and ventilation systems. Clean air filters also prevent leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system.

What Problems Does A Dirty Air Filter Cause?

On the other hand, a dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause a musty odor to permeate the vehicle. It can also cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles than if they were walking down the street. A cabin air filter that is dirty can also impair the airflow in the HVAC system. This could possibly cause interior heating and cooling problems. Over time, this can damage the heater and air conditioner through corrosion.

What Happens When I Change My Air Filter?

While you can certainly leave your dirty air filter in place, there are many benefits to finding the best air filter and replacing your old one, including:

• Increased fuel efficiency - One of the best reasons to regularly change your air filter is to increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Some studies have shown that replacing a dirty air filter increases the fuel mileage of older cars by as much as 14 percent. In addition, studies have shown that changing a clogged air filter can increase acceleration by six to 11 percent on modern cars. A clean air filter certainly improves air flow to the engine and increases engine performance as well as gas mileage.

• Reduced emissions - Clogged air filters can choke your engine, reducing air flow. This can affect the emission control system of the car, causing an incorrect air-fuel mixture. It can also cause spark plug ignition problems which can lead to serious drivability issues. Increased air flow to the engine allows it to operate properly while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

• Prolonged engine life - Changing the air filter regularly helps prolong engine life because the air filter is designed to trap dirt and debris that can cause damage to internal engine parts like the cylinders and pistons. Think of it this way; engine damage can occur from particles as small as a grain of salt, resulting in costly repairs. Thus it is important to change out or clean your air filter as recommended.

• Inexpensive and easy fix – Luckily, the air filter is one of the least expensive maintenance components to replace in your vehicle. You can even do it yourself! However, it is important to choose the right replacement air filter that is designed for your vehicle’s exact make and model. As a rule of thumb, air filters should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Those who drive in dustier driving conditions may need to replace theirs more often. Your vehicle’s owner's manual will have a maintenance schedule that will indicate how often the air filter should be replaced. Even if a dirty air filter appears clean, it should still be replaced at the recommended time.

As you can see, there are many benefits to replacing