Air Filter Tips

Check or Change Your Air Filter Every 6 Months to Improve Fuel Economy and Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly.

Regardless of the Mileage or Time, Filters Should Be Replaced Before They Reach A Point of Creating a Significant Restriction to Airflow.

However, when exactly that point is reached is subject to opinion. A slightly dirty filter actually cleans more efficiently than a brand-new filter, because the debris trapped by the filter element helps screen out smaller particles that try to get through. But eventually, every filter reaches the point where it causes enough of a pressure drop to restrict airflow. Fuel economy, performance, and emissions deteriorate and progressively worsen until the dirty filter is replaced.

Many heavy-duty trucks have a “restriction” meter on the air filter housing that signals when the filter is dirty enough to need replacing. But lacking such a device, the best you can do is guess.

Removing the filter and holding it up to a light will show you how dirty it is. If it’s really caked with dirt, it obviously needs to be replaced. Trying to shake or blow the dirt out is a waste of time because too much of it will be embedded in the filter fibers.

NOTE: Many filters that appear to be dirty are in fact still good and do not really need to be replaced. If you have questions about your air filter, we’d be happy to take a look at it, just schedule an appointment.