Your air filter works to block out dust, grime and other debris from being sucked into the engine. Over time, your filter will necessarily become clogged, which can then have a significant effect on your engine and by extension the general operation of your vehicle. Understanding what some of the symptoms associated with a dirty air filter are can help you determine when you should have your air filter replaced.

Longer Ignition Times

One of the first signs that you will notice if your air filter needs replacement is a longer startup time for your vehicle. A clogged air filter will prevent the proper amount of air entering the engine, which will prevent the spark plugs from creating enough of a spark to actually ignite the fuel. Even after the engine has caught and turned over, you will likely notice that it will idle roughly, creating an excessive amount of noise and also potentially causing your vehicle to vibrate excessively. Completely clogged filters will prevent the vehicle from starting at all, so you should have a mechanic inspect and replace the filter as soon you notice any sort of ignition issue.

Gasoline Smell

Another indication that your filter needs to be replaced is if you can smell gasoline in the cabin of your vehicle while you are driving, or lingering around the outside of your vehicle after you park. This is because there is an inadequate amount of oxygen in the engine, which means that not all of the gasoline in the engine's chambers is being burned. As a result, it will be vented out of the exhaust system, leading to the lingering smell throughout your vehicle and the surrounding area. This is, of course, fairly dangerous, as the fumes from gasoline are not good to inhale and the presence of the fluid means there is a slight risk of fire.

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

Finally, the last major sign of a clogged air filter that is slightly harder to notice straight away is a general reduction in the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. As already mentioned, a clogged air filter will affect how well your engine is able to burn fuel, and an inefficient engine will use fuel at a higher rate to produce the same speed if it is not operating under ideal conditions. Having your air filter replaced will save you money in the long run as you will not have to fill up your gas tank as frequently.

To learn more, reach out to auto repair services like Huntington Beach Transmissions.

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