Unfortunately, at Kernersville Auto Center, we see vehicle owners put off their maintenance for too long. We get it; some mechanics will recommend services you don’t need just to make a buck. However, we’ve made a commitment to our customers: we’ll always recommend what is best for your car, while helping you stay within budget. If we recommend an air filter replacement or other services, you really do need them!
How Often Do You Need Air Filter Replacement for Your Vehicle?
In most cases, we recommend that you get an air filter replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Why such a big range? Well, not only do different vehicles have different needs, but your driving habits also make a difference. If you frequently drive on dusty backroads or dirt roads, you’ll need to replace your air filter more regularly. Likewise, you’ll need to replace it more often if you frequently drive in very heavy city traffic. Think about it this way: if the air is hard to breathe, your engine has trouble “breathing” too. So, the air filter has to work harder in these conditions. You’ll be able to see the brown dirt and dust on the old filter.
In some cases, you can change your filter less frequently. It depends on the type of vehicle you drive. Some manufacturers say that you can go up to 45,000 miles before your filter needs to change. When we make recommendations, we take into account the manufacturer’s limits and the actual state of your filter. If we can see dust and dirt, we’ll recommend replacement.
Even if you don’t drive often, you may need to change your air filter before you even hit 15,000 miles. Time can be just as damaging as dust to an air filter. We recommend changing the filter at least every three years. Filters become brittle with age, even if they aren’t covered in dirt and grime.
Be aware that some mechanics will try to convince you to change your air filter every time you have your oil changed. This just isn’t necessary for most people. If your mechanic is making poor recommendations like this, bring your car to Kernersville Auto Center for maintenance instead. We’ll never recommend services you don’t actually need.
Some people put off maintenance. Yes, life gets busy and car care can be expensive. However, it is much more time-consuming and expensive if you experience preventable problems. With a little time and money today, you can save a lot of time and money in the future.
So, What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Air Filter?
First, you may notice that your car “runs roughly,” which can affect fuel economy. This happens because the car is using more fuel and less oxygen. Without the right amounts of fuel and oxygen, you’ll notice performance issues. In some cases, your check engine light may come on to indicate that the engine isn’t performing well. This happens because the engine is not able to suck in the air it needs.
If you continue to drive your car without replacing the air filter, you may lose power. Sometimes, you’re able to re-start but this can cause permanent damage to your engine. When you don’t replace your filter, you can severely shorten the life of your car.
Additionally, if your air filter is damaged with holes or tears, that means chemicals, bugs, and more can get into your engine. This is of course bad for your vehicle. Even if you replace the filter later, the damage could be irreversible without major engine work.
Can You Change Your Own Air Filter?
While you can opt to change your own air filter, this is actually a very affordable service. If you hire a professional, you don’t have to guess whether you’ve done it correctly. You’ll know that your car is in good hands. We are proud to have ASE-certified mechanics who have the expertise to diagnose and repair any car or truck problems. Our goal is to keep you and your vehicle on the road, as we’ve done with so many other happy customers.
By offering a loyalty program, we reward returning customers with discounts on future visits. We have been serving the Kernersville area for over 25 years and treat everyone as we treat our own family.
In addition, we check over your car for other potential problems and top off your fluids. Finish your service visit with a state-of-the art car wash. There are several discounted plans available. We’d love to make you part of the Kernersville Auto Center family. Schedule your service now!
