Brown's Ford of Johnstown

Mar 25, 2022

Do you have problems starting your car in the morning, or is your vehicle not driving as well as it used to? Clogged or dirty air filters can cause performance problems. If you’re experiencing these issues, it might be time to change your engine air filter. Check out these six symptoms of a faulty car air filter at your local Ford dealer in Johnstown.

You Have to Put More Gas in Your Car

Your car may be using more gas than usual. If your miles per gallon is going down, it may be due to a dirty or clogged air filter. A dirty air filter will restrict the airflow, causing the engine to work harder. Clogged filters make your car less efficient and could cause you to purchase more fuel than necessary.

The Check Engine Light Is On

If the check engine light has come on in your car, that’s another sign that you may need a replacement filter. The check engine light indicates that the car’s onboard computer has identified a problem. The check engine or service light can be triggered by dirty, dust, or debris in the engine.

Your Car Has Increased Emissions 

 Dirty filters change the vehicle’s air to fuel balance, increasing vehicle exhaust. These deposits directly affect the environment with higher levels of pollution. If you notice that your car has increased exhaust output, there’s a chance that you need to replace the filter.

Engine Life

A clean air filter will extend engine life and reduce repairs. The air filter’s primary purpose is to keep dirt and debris from entering the engine. Faulty air filters can damage engine components like spark plugs and pistons due to escaping dirt and debris. A new air filter can help your engine run more efficiently and extend its lifespan.

Our Ford dealership uses genuine air filters, which stop up to 98% of dirt, dust, and debris. We also recommend you regularly change your filter based on your owner manual, typically every 15,000-30,000 miles. We also recommend changing it when you see it’s visibly dirty, your car is sluggish, or if you drive on dirty, dusty roads frequently.

A Dirty Filter Impacts Driveability

A dirty air filter impacts how your car drives by affecting things like your spark plugs. Because the air-fuel balance in your vehicle is compromised, the spark plugs won’t work properly, resulting in a rough idle or a misfire. Tiny particles in your engine can cause significant damage and lead to expensive repairs.

A clogged filter will affect things like acceleration. If you notice your car has less power than usual or has a rough idle, bring it into the dealership for a checkup.

Decreased Fuel Economy

A dirty filter makes your car less efficient and could cause lead you to purchase more fuel than necessary. The engine has to work harder when the filter is damaged or clogged. Some studies indicate that a clean air filter can increase fuel economy by up to 10%. That’s real money for a service that’s not very expensive.

Replacing your car’s air filter can improve performance and save you money in the long run. With a new air filter, an engine can run more smoothly and last longer. Contact Brown’s Ford of Johnstown to schedule a service appointment. We have first-class service and will have you back on the road right away.