4 Reasons summer is the Perfect Time to Change Your Car’s Air Filter
Summer sun, sand, and surf. What's not to love? But one less pleasant reality comes along with the warmer months – car trouble.
One way to avoid car trouble (and save a pretty penny in repairs) is by regularly changing your car's air filter. A car air filter keeps the engine clean by trapping dirt, dust, and other airborne particles before they can enter the car's combustion chamber.
If the engine air filter becomes clogged, it can restrict the airflow to the engine. It can cause many problems, including decreased fuel efficiency, increased emissions, and – in extreme cases – engine damage.
So, how often should you change your vehicle's air filter? Changing it every 12 months or 12,000 miles is recommended – whichever comes first. But if you're wondering why summers specifically, here are three good reasons:
You'll Be Driving a Lot More:
Your car was probably hibernating all winter, so the air filter hasn't seen much action. But come summertime, you'll drive more – to the beach, baseball games, and on road trips. All that extra driving means your car's engine will work harder. Changing your engine air filters in the summer will help ensure your car's engine gets the clean air it needs.
It Helps Your Car's AC:
Part of enjoying those long car rides in the summer is a strong air conditioner to keep you cool. But if you have a blocked air filter, it can reduce the airflow to your car's AC compressor. That reduced airflow means your car's AC won't be as effective, and you'll be stuck sweating in the summer heat. Replacing your clogged air filter will take care of that problem and help keep you cool all summer long.
It Can Improve Your Fuel Efficiency:
How many road trips do you have planned for this summer? Changing your engine air filter is a good start if you want to save money on gas. A clogged air filter can reduce your car's fuel efficiency by up to 10%. It's because the engine has to work harder to draw air through the filter. So, change your car's air filter and enjoy the savings at the pump.
Keep Your Carbon Footprint Low:
We all want to do our part to protect the environment. Emissions from our cars are one of the leading causes of pollution. When we use more fuel, we produce more emissions. A vehicle with a clean air filter will emit fewer pollutants than one with a dirty filter. It's because your engine will be happier with a clean air filter. So, be proactive this summer and change your car's air filter to help reduce your carbon footprint.
Conclusion:
Blocked air filters cost you more than just fuel. If left to worsen, a clogged air filter may cause an overheating engine, which is a costly car repair. So, keep your car's air filter clean and clear this summer. Your vehicle will thank you for it!
Our technicians at Nissan of Cape Coral, serving Cape Coral, FL, are car air filter experts and can help you get the most out of your car's engine.