For your engine to run, it needs air. The air mixes with gas, the spark plug gives a spark, and-voila you’ve got internal combustion. For an engine to run efficiently, the air that it takes in needs to be as clean as possible. However, the air outside is full of junk that doesn’t burn cleanly or evenly at all. Dirt, pollen, insects and bird feathers are just some the things your engine will suck in to create the controlled explosion that moves your motor. That is bad for your engine.
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| An air filter |
Air filters are designed to prevent this from happening. Air filters are connected to the engine’s intake manifold. Most filters are rectangular (older cars that have carburettors use a donut-shaped air filter) and are made of a porous, paper-like material, folded like an accordion. The filter prevents dirt and other particulates from getting into your engine while allowing the clean air through. Simple, yet effective.
Why Do You Need to Change Your Air Filter Regularly?
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| A dirty air filter |
1. Increased fuel efficiency.
After logging thousands of kilometres on your car, that filter can get really dirty and clogged. A dirty air filter doesn’t allow air to get through to the engine. Remember, your engine needs air to run efficiently. A reduced amount of air means your engine needs to use more fuel to get the same bang to run your engine. Save yourself some money at the pump. Change your air filter regularly.
2.Prolonged engine life.
Engines are big and powerful, but they can be surprisingly sensitive to the smallest grain of sand. Over time, dirt and other particles can cause serious damage to your engine’s internal parts. Better to spend some money now on a new air filter than thousands of naira later on a new engine.
3. Reduced Emissions.
Reduced air flow can also mess with your car’s emission control systems causing you to spew more bad stuff into the atmosphere. We need to protect our environment. We don't care about this in Nigeria.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
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| Side by side comparison of a clean and dirty air filter |
It’s recommended that you change your air filter once every 12 months. However due to our dry (dusty) season, I recommend you dust it once (after the dry season) and replace after the 12 months. Check your owner’s manual for specifics on when to change your air filter for your make and model.
How to Change Your Air Filter
1. Buy your air filter. Most air filters are N1,500 to N3,000. Some luxury car air filters may be more expensive. To make sure you get the correct size, take the old one as a reference,
2. Open your hood and locate the air filter box. It’s the black plastic box sitting on top of or to the side of your engine. The filter box usually has a giant hose sticking out of its side.
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| Locating your airbox |
3. Open the air filter box and remove the dirty air filter. Opening an air filter box is a cinch. Just unclasp the big metal clips that hold the top down and open the box. Remove the dirty filter.
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| Changing the air filter |
4. Check the old air filter. Give your old filter a look over to see if it’s past its prime. Look inside the folds. See a lot of dirt and gunk? Time to replace it.
5. Put in the new air filter. Place your filter in the filter box. Make sure it sits snuggly in the box. Close the top of the box and snap the clips.
That’s it. For the next few months, your engine will no longer be begging for clean air.
Now wash your hands!
Read more articles on The Air Intake System and the The Airflow Sensor here.
Twitter and Instagram; @VverteAutoSevcs
Email; vverteautosevcs@gmail.com
Phone; 09137103730
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