When you envision doing some spring cleaning, you probably imagine getting all the dust and clutter out of your house. But the same logic can apply to your car, too. Since you're probably already thinking of the spring car maintenance that needs to be done (checking the fluids, rotating the tires, testing the battery, etc.), why not give your vehicle a complete evaluation? One thing that you might not have considered before is getting the car's air filter cleaned. This task is important, and it can even save you money on fuel and car repairs! So what is this component, and why should you add it to your car's spring cleaning checklist?
Get Better Fuel Economy
The air filter is the part that brings clean air into your vehicle's cabin and the engine. If it gets clogged or dirty, neither place will get clean air. This means that you might end up inhaling dust as you're driving around. It can also make the engine work harder. When the engine has to work harder, it consumes more fuel. If you've noticed recently that your car uses more gasoline than normal but nothing seems to be wrong, you may have a clogged air filter. Depending on the filter's age and the degree of debris accumulation, the air filter may need to be replaced or simply cleaned.
Keep Your Engine Going
You might think of the engine as the part that keeps your car going. However, other parts in the car keep the engine running. One of these components is the air filter. When the air filter accumulates dust particles, it prevents clean air from reaching the engine. This makes the engine and its related components work harder to do their job. Dust can also settle on the sensors close to the engine that monitor the balance of air and fuel in the system. If these parts become dirty, they won't be able to regulate the proper ratio. This can cause serious harm to the engine.
Get Rid of Pollen
Keeping an air filter serves another practical purpose - allergy control! If you have a functional air filter, it can trap particles like pollen and prevent them from entering the cabin. While you may be able to go from 12,000 to 15,000 miles in between changing the air filter, it's always a good idea to at least check it in the spring and clean it if necessary. Keep in mind that the filter's vents will start to fall apart as the filter ages. So a filter that is nearing the end of its lifespan won't be able to remove pollen and other particles as effectively as a newer filter.
Reduce Time Spent Cleaning
When an air filter traps particles, it prevents them from getting into the cabin and circulating through the air. This, in turn, means that your cabin stays cleaner for longer. Ultimately, you won't have to spend as much time cleaning out your vehicle if you keep the air filter clean. This is important anyways, but it's a factor to consider if you are thinking of selling your car.
For many people, spring is a time to tackle much-needed cleaning. While the concept applies to homes, it should apply to your car, too. Performing spring maintenance on your car, such as cleaning and replacing the air filter as necessary, goes a long way in keeping it working properly for a long time to come. We welcome your call, visit, or online inquiry to learn more or make an appointment.
