Inspecting and Changing your Engine Air Filter with Ohio's Filter Experts

In addition to oil changes, there are other various components that should be changed periodically as you rack up the miles on your car. Your air filter is no exception to these components, and should be checked at every oil change for wear and tear. The typical life of an air filter varies upon driving conditions, but the standard time frame is about once a year or every 20,000 miles. Your local Bob Sumerel Tire techs will check your filter for free, and every time your car is in for an oil change! Below are a few tips and tricks to checking your air filter, and knowing whether it is time for a replacement!

• Checking the filter-Any filter that is visibly dirty can be a sign to change it. The one universal way to check the filter is by holding it up to a light source...if light still passes through the filter, you don't need to replace it! For expert advice, visit your local Bob Sumerel Tire for more information!
• New filters get you better fuel economy-Replacing the filter allows for your car to not work as hard, which can increase your MPG by about 1 or 2 miles more per gallon. 
• Some filters optimize horsepower-K&N reusable filters are an alternative to your standard paper air filter. These are meant to last longer, but also increase horsepower of up to 5 more horses! 
• Air filter housings vary in location, but are easy to find- Locating your car's engine air filter is relatively straight forward on most vehicles. There will be a large hose coming from the engine's
  
  throttle body, which will lead to a large plastic black box. This is your air filter housing, check out the picture to the right to view what one looks like on a Honda Civic. 
• Housings are usually held in by a series of clips of screws-Once you locate the housing, see if there are clips or screws holding the housing together. Usually bolts will either be an 8 or 10mm in size, but can sometimes have Phillips or flat head screws holding the container together. 
• Air filters primary duty-Your engine air filter serves one primary purpose, which is to keep harmful debris and contaminants from entering the working mechanisms of your engine. By keeping this debris out, you can ensure smooth operating conditions, and a proper flow of oil and coolant. 

There really is no set interval as to when you air filter needs replacing, it really comes down to how much you drive and the climate of which you drive in. Not replacing your filter will not "hurt" your vehicle necessarily, but can rob your engine of performance and fuel economy. Most air filters are the same in quality, and don't really have a difference from brand to brand. If you have any questions about the right time to change your filter, your local Bob Sumerel techs are here to help! Give them a call, or stop on by today!

Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Yelp.