Mike's Brake & Alignment Shop

Honest & Quality Service

Tag: air filter

The Role of Air Filters in Car Maintenance

When it comes to car maintenance, there are several crucial components that require regular attention to ensure optimal performance and longevity. One such component that often goes overlooked is the air filter. Despite its relatively small size, the air filter plays a vital role in the overall health and efficiency of your vehicle’s engine. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of air filters in car maintenance and why keeping them clean and functioning properly is essential.

What Do Air Filters Do?

Air filters in cars prevent dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from entering the engine. They ensure that only clean air is reaching the combustion chamber, where the fuel is burned to power your vehicle. Over time, however, the air filter can become clogged with debris, affecting the engine’s performance and fuel efficiency. A dirty air filter restricts airflow, causing the engine to work harder and consume more fuel. Additionally, it can lead to decreased acceleration, rough idling, and even engine misfires. Regularly replacing or cleaning your car’s air filter is a simple but effective way to maintain engine health and prevent costly repairs.

Related: “Routine Maintenance vs Repairs: The Critical Difference and Why Both Matter!”

How to Change Your Air Filter

Changing the air filter in your car is a relatively simple task that can have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your vehicle’s engine. To begin, locate the air filter housing, which is usually a black plastic box near the engine. Open the housing by removing the clips or screws that hold it together. Take out the old air filter and inspect it for dirt, dust, or damage. If it looks dirty or clogged, it’s time for a replacement. Align the new air filter properly in the housing, ensuring that it fits securely. Finally, reattach the housing cover, making sure all clips or screws are tightened. It’s important to consult your car’s manual for specific instructions and to ensure you purchase the correct air filter for your vehicle. Regularly changing your air filter, typically every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or as recommended by your car manufacturer, will help maintain engine performance and prolong the life of your car.

Related: “Why Do You Need To Hire a Good Mechanic for Your Car?”

Rely On The Professionals

At Mike’s Brake & Alignment, we understand the importance of proper car maintenance, including the regular inspection and replacement of air filters. As a trusted auto service provider in Fort Worth, Texas, we offer professional air filter checks and replacements to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Our experienced technicians are well-versed in the intricacies of various car models and can ensure that your air filter is clean and functioning optimally. Don’t neglect this essential aspect of car maintenance – visit our website at mikesautospa.com or call us at (817) 834-2725 to schedule an appointment today.

The Season of Spring and Your Air Filters

Young flower buds are opening to the sun’s shining rays, which indicates that pollen will be pervading the air soon. Whether it’s intrusive pollen, wintery snow, or even crunchy leaves, each season comes with a difficulty that people have to face. Besides dealing with allergy season, pollen can affect your vehicle’s air filter. Here we will tell you what steps you can take to make sure your air filter is ready for spring!

A vehicle has two fundamental air filters: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. The air intake system’s objective is to let airflow to your car’s engine. An intake system allows constant clean airflow into your engine. It obtains higher mileage and additional power for a vehicle. The air must be free of debris, dirt, dust, and of course, pollen. The engine air filter guards an engine against these particles by ensuring only unpolluted air reaches the inside of a machine.

 The intake system is in control of transporting oxygen, which is essential for combustion. An intake system consists of an air filter, a throttle, and passageways for air to reach the cylinders themselves. If an engine air filter is worn out or filthy, the chance of dirty air creeping into an engine is much greater.

While an engine air filter is in charge of an engine’s health and overall condition, the cabin air filter in a vehicle helps remove harmful pollutants, including pollen and dust. It ensures the air is clean within the car. The filter is located behind the glovebox and purifies the air that flows inside a vehicle’s HVAC system—the cabin air filters out any dust, soot, pollen, or any outside allergens.  Not changing the air filter results in the filter will become clogged.

A dirty air filter will compromise the efficiency of the filter and the car’s HVAC system. Also, a dirty engine air filter can cause engine performance problems. The cabin air filter is essential during spring. When the air is inundated with allergens is important to replace both cabin and engine air filters.

The springtime is the best time to have your cabin and engine air filters replaced. You will not worry about pollen or any other particles entering your vehicle. At Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop, we don’t want any pollen or foreign particles entering your cabin or your engine. We can make sure to check you’re A/C and repair if needed. If your brakes or tires seem to not behaving correctly, we can make sure to check it and fix any issues you have. Ensuring your car is secure and safe while driving is not something you want to leave to chance. Please schedule an appointment today at our website to get your air filter checked.