Since it gives the vehicle the power to move, it’s no understatement to say that an engine is one of the most important parts of a vehicle.
With this in mind, it makes sense to take care of your engine as much as possible, including by ensuring its air filters are clean and ultimately fit for use.
At Filter Services UK, we specialise in vehicle filters, including air filters which help prevent pollutants from impacting the health of your engine.
Keep reading to learn why dirty air filters are bad for car engines and the common signs to look out for which suggest that damage has already occurred.
How Air Filters Protect Car Engines
The road surfaces we drive on, let alone the general environment we drive through, aren’t always that clean. In the UK, some of the debris your engine has to contend with includes pollen, road grit and urban pollution.
That’s why various filters are needed to prevent pollutants from being able to travel from the outside and into the components of your car, which may damage them.
With an engine, the air filter is responsible for preventing dust, dirt, pollen, grit and debris from entering the engine. Otherwise, if the engine becomes clogged, it effectively can’t work properly. A dirty filter can reduce airflow, harm sensors, increase fuel use and allow harmful debris into the engine.
So while a dirty air filter might not seem like a big deal, it can actually lead to big problems if ignored.
Signs Your Air Filter Needs Replacing
The length of time it’s been can be enough to signal that an air filter replacement is due. Usually, this is every 12,000-15,000 miles or once a year depending on which comes first.
But, there can be other, more noticeable signs that your air filter is dirty based on how the engine is behaving.
Warning signs include:
- Reduced engine power
- Poor acceleration
- Unusual engine sounds
- Dark or dusty filter element
- Decreased fuel economy
- Check Engine light (often MAF-related)
With air filters being cheap and quick to replace, it’s one of the simplest ways to protect your engine as well as the wider health of your vehicle. So don’t delay in replacing yours if your air filter replacement is due or you’ve noticed any of the above engine issues.
The Top Risks To Your Car If You Skip Or Delay An Air Filter Replacement
If your car does need a new filter because the current one is past its best, you can order your air filters on our website today.
But let’s imagine you skip this most essential step, by running you through some of the top problems that a dirty air filter can create. In short, this will unfortunately lead to not only performance issues, but also higher costs.
Reduced Airflow = Poor Combustion
A dirty air filter restricts airflow. When the engine isn’t getting enough air, the fuel-to-air mixture becomes too rich. This essentially means too much fuel and not enough oxygen.
This can cause:
- Rough idling
- Reduced power
- Poor acceleration
- Increased fuel consumption
In the long run, consistently poor combustion can stress internal components.
Engine Misfires And Soot Buildup
When the mixture becomes too rich, unburnt fuel leaves carbon deposits inside.
This can impact:
- Spark plugs
- Intake valves
- Combustion chamber
This can cause misfires and further reduce performance.
Damage To Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF)
Modern UK cars rely on a MAF sensor to measure incoming air.
A clogged air filter can allow fine dust through or cause oil vapour contamination, leading to a failing MAF sensor.
Symptoms of this include:
- Check Engine light
- Harsh idling
- Hesitation when accelerating
MAF sensors can cost £100+ to replace.
Dirt Bypassing The Filter Causing Increased Engine Wear
If the filter becomes damaged or clogged to the point of distortion, contaminants can bypass it entirely.
This can lead to:
- Scored cylinder walls
- Worn piston rings
- Reduced engine compression
While we’ve mentioned many potential issues that a dirty air filter can lead to, it’s safe to say that this section covers some of the most serious. As a result, they are the most expensive problems that are most likely to result in complete engine failure.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Because the engine compensates for a lack of air by injecting more fuel, a dirty air filter can noticeably reduce MPG.
This is especially common in:
- Short journeys
- Stop-start city driving
- Winter months in the UK
Replacing the filter often restores efficiency immediately.
Turbocharged Engines Are More Vulnerable
Many modern UK cars have turbo engines. A blocked filter makes the turbo work harder, raising temperatures and strain.
This increases the risk of:
- Turbo lag
- Overheating
- Premature turbo wear
As you might expect, this can also create very costly problems, with some turbo engines costing in excess of £2,000. With the average cost of replacing an air filter around £60 in the UK, this suddenly makes the price savings extremely attractive. So, as with all our above points, don’t wait to replace an air filter which can no longer do its job due to the buildup of dirt and debris.
Filter In Need Of Replacement? Shop Our Air Filters Online
Every vehicle requires regular maintenance to keep it in optimal condition and replacing your air filters is no exception. As a general rule, an air filter will need replacing every 12,000-15,000 miles. However, a more frequent replacement can also be needed depending on the environmental conditions your car is subjected to.
Ultimately, replacing your air filter is always going to be cheaper than repairing or even replacing a damaged engine. Thankfully, if you are in need of a vehicle air filter, you’re in the right place!
Head over to our air filters page to view our available products. You can also visit our branches in person in Chesterfield, Leeds or Leicester.
If you have any questions about our air filters, please send us a message and our team will be with you shortly.