Symptoms of a dirty air filter

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Symptoms of a dirty air filter​

I. The Function of an Engine Air Filter

The engine air filter is responsible for keeping contaminants, debris and dirt from getting into the engine through the air. It must remain free of clogs to ensure that the motor gets the right level of air for combustion.

The air filter replacement is part of regular car maintenance because it can become clogged over time. When it gets clogged, the air-fuel ratio in the combustion chamber becomes imbalanced, leading to numerous performance issues.

II. 8 Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter

1. Power Loss
When the filter becomes dirty, it no longer allows enough air to reach the engine. Without the proper balance of air flowing through, the engine can’t run as it is intended. What you are left with is a reduction of power and acceleration.
You might notice this more frequently when you demand more of your vehicle, such as during towing or driving up steep inclines. However, any time that the vehicle feels sluggish, it’s wise to visually inspect the air filter.

2. Strange Engine Sounds
When the engine is running as it should, you should hear a familiar hum coming from the motor. However, when the filter becomes clogged, a lack of airflow can cause some strange sounds.
In some cases, you might hear a sputtering noise or a popping sound. It’s also possible to hear a whistling noise due to the obstructed airflow. The more buildup that is on the filter, the louder the noises can become.

3. Check Engine Light
When the filter becomes clogged, the flow of air into the engine is restricted. This inadequate supply means too much fuel is being mixed in.
With more fuel being burned, the carbon deposits start to build up, causing the Check Engine Light to come on. When these warning lights illuminate, you can use a code scanner to hunt down the root of the issue.

4. Reduced Fuel Economy
To produce power and momentum, the car engine mixes air with gasoline. However, when the airflow is restricted, too much fuel gets pumped into the engine. When the motor runs rich, you find yourself using more fuel.
Any time that the car is using more fuel, it’s a sign that there’s an imbalance with the engine. Pay attention to how often you are filling up, so you can correct issues before they become major.

5. Engine Misfiring
Without the right amount of air entering the combustion chamber, the motor creates more unburned fuel. This extra soot builds up on the tips of the spark plugs.
When the plugs can no longer provide the right level of spark for ignition, the car will misfire and run poorly. You might also notice a rough idle or stalling as a result.

6. Black Exhaust Smoke
In extreme cases, you are going to see a change in the exhaust smoke leaving the tailpipes. With an incomplete burn of the fuel in the combustion chamber, you will notice black or dark gray smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle.
The color is due to the unburned fuel mixing with the hot exhaust. However, it is also a symptom of a malfunctioning fuel injection system or a bad O2 Sensor.

7. Gas Smell
That unburned fuel can also create a different smell in some cases. The dirtier the filter becomes, the more you might notice this smell.
Additionally, other issues can cause a gasoline smell. For that reason, it’s important to perform a complete diagnosis before determining what’s causing the odor.

8. Visible Contamination
If you can visually look at the air filter, you will notice the signs right away. A clean air filter is going to be either white or pale white. Some reusable filters also have plum-colored media.
Once it becomes contaminated, the filter is going to be filled with dirt and debris. It’s going to be naturally dirty and dusty, revealing that it’s time to change it.