Signs of a Dirty Auto Air Filter and What to Do About It

You might already know what happens if you don’t change your furnace filter. But what happens if your car filter is dirty? Can you just clean it and reuse it? In this article, learn where the car air filter is and how to remove it.

 

Air Filter Car Talk

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what happens if your car filter is dirty, let’s go over a few car basics. Your car runs on an internal combustion engine. It works by igniting gas in a small space, which sets off a tiny explosion. This cycle of tiny explosions occurs hundreds of times per minute in your car engine, and creates enough energy to move your car.

But what does this have to do with an air filter? The first part of the cycle is called the "intake stroke." During the intake stroke, the piston shifts down to allow the engine to take in a full cylinder of air and only the teeniest, tiniest drop of gasoline. Then the piston moves back up, initiating the next step in the cycle, which is compression.

However, the air flowing through your engine can’t be just any air. It needs to be clean air. And that’s where your air filter comes in. A dirty air filter creates air resistance, which takes power away from your engine—and makes your engine work even harder to do its job. This can lead to a whole host of issues. On average, you need to change your filter about every 12 months or every 12,000 miles. 

 

7 Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter

So what happens if your air filter is dirty? As mentioned above, the performance of your engine will be reduced and other mechanical issues may start to occur. Here are some issues to look out for.

The cough, sputter, pop

If your filter is dirty, you might begin to notice a sputtering or coughing sound. This might even sound like a slight whistle. This sound could be air meeting resistance as it tries to pass through your filter. 

Endless empty tank

Feel like you’ve been filling your gas tank more frequently, lately? This could be a sign that your engine is working overtime trying to gasp for air, and thus requiring an extra drink to get by. 

Sudden slowpoke

When you step on the gas, does it feel like you’re going nowhere? You might have a four-cylinder engine, but lately it feels like two. The compression of air in your engine makes those tiny explosions that create movement more powerful. With less air, you might find that your car just isn’t operating on all cylinders (or at least, not getting as much out of those cylinders as it should be). 

Light leads the way

This one is a bit obvious, but if you notice that your "check engine" light is on it might be time to check under the hood. 

Dressed in dirt

Most air filters are white or off-white. If yours is throwing some shade (or a lot of shade), it’s probably time for a change.

Major misfire

If the situation becomes severe and your car really starts to feel like it’s suffocating, the engine will start to misfire. This occurs as a result of unburned fuel. The residual fuel causes soot to build up on your spark plugs, and without the proper spark, your car finds it hard to make a move. Instead of being propelled forward by hundreds of tiny explosions, the lack of spark turns into a jerk. You might feel this jerking motion when idling, but it will be especially noticeable when you accelerate. 

Storm clouds

With no release, the unused fuel may start to exit out of your exhaust pipe, creating clouds of dark smoke. If your air filter becomes this dirty, you might also start to notice the smell of gas every time you start your car. 

 

Locating and Removing a Car Air Filter

Follow these steps to learn how to locate your air filter and remove it.

Step 1: Locate the filter

To determine where your air filter is located, check your car manual first. In most cars, the filter can be located in what is called a cold air collector box. This box is rectangular in shape and located under the hood near the front of the engine. 

Step 2: Gain access

The air collector box is usually held together by clamps that can be removed by hand. However, occasionally you may need a screwdriver. With the collector box open, you should be able to access the filter. 

 

Cleaning and Reusing Car Air Filters

Some car filters are made to be reusable. Before you attempt to clean your air filter, make sure that yours isn’t a disposable one. How often do you need to clean it? About as often as you’d need to buy a new one.

 

It’s not worth waiting to see what happens if your car filter gets too dirty. And learning how to change your own car filter can be a simple task that saves you money. If you don’t have a reusable air filter, you can always purchase one the next time you change filters. Keeping your filter up-to-date will help ensure your car stays running smoothly. 

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.