In Automotive School? 4 Benefits of Replacing an Engine’s Air Filter
While the engine air filter might not be the most obvious thing on the list of necessary maintenance for cars, it’s still a component that needs to be replaced regularly. Engine air filters have an essential function: enhancing the performance and condition of a vehicle by preventing contaminants or particles from getting into the engine. In fact, engine air filters do more than just keep contaminants out of the engine. With the potential to impact the number of emissions a vehicle produces, the engine air filter can improve fuel efficiency and even the lifespan of the engine.
If you’re preparing for a career as a mechanic, you’ll be servicing and repairing vehicles, keeping an eye out for components that may need replacing or are overdue for regular maintenance. After completing your training, checking the status of a vehicle’s engine air filter will be an important part of your duties. Below, discover why replacing the engine air filter is important and the benefits it can offer a vehicle.
Replacing the Air Filter Can Prevent Harm from Contaminants
The engine air filter’s primary function is to keep contaminants out of the engine. When the engine air filter is due for a replacement, however, it won’t be able to keep contaminants out of the engine to the same degree. What’s more, a clogged filter will reduce the amount of air that’s able to flow into the engine, negatively impacting the air-fuel mixture that determines the vehicle’s performance. When the engine isn’t getting enough air, it will work harder to yield the same amount of power, using more fuel while reducing the vehicle’s acceleration capability. After completing your auto mechanic training, you’ll want to check the status of the engine air filter in order to prevent any of these problems from arising.
After Auto Mechanic Training, Pay Attention to the Fuel Efficiency
As we just learned, a dirty or clogged engine air filter can cause problems with the engine’s ability to take in air, affecting the fuel-air mixture. Because the engine isn’t getting the right amount of air, it uses more fuel to compensate, resulting in reduced fuel efficiency. When the engine air filter is clean, it won’t restrict airflow, allowing the engine to obtain the amount of oxygen it needs to burn through a sustainable amount of fuel. After launching your auto mechanic career, drivers will appreciate the money you’re saving them on gas by servicing their engine air filter.
The Vehicle Will Emit Fewer Emissions
A disrupted air-fuel ratio can have an impact on more than just fuel consumption and acceleration capabilities. After automotive school, your ability to determine the condition of a vehicle’s air filter can contribute to the health of the planet! In vehicles with a dirty or old engine air filter, an imbalanced air-fuel mixture can result in increased emissions. For one, spark plugs can become polluted, leading to engine misfiring, “rough idling” and more depositions from the engine. What’s more, the exhaust system is directly affected by the imbalance ratio, leading to more pollution coming from the tailpipe.
Prolong the Lifespan of the Engine
When functioning optimally, the engine air filter will prevent any debris, dirt, bugs or other harmful contaminants in the air from getting into the engine. However, when it’s time for a replacement, waste will accumulate in the filter, allowing debris to enter the engine. Not only can particulate matter erode the engine’s metal, but these contaminants can also lead to engine failure if they make their way into the combustion chamber. With the regular replacement of the engine air filter, the engine will stand a better chance of lasting its estimated lifespan or longer.
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