A car air filter protects the engine from dust and dirt. Over time, a dirty air filter can restrict airflow, leading to poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption, and even engine damage. Below are seven signs from your Ford dealer that warn you when it’s time to replace your Ford’s air filter.
1. The Air Filter Is Old and Dirty
An air filter is white, but as it purifies the air, it gradually accumulates dust and dirt and becomes dirty. Over time, the dirty filter fails to keep contaminants away from the engine, which can result in various problems.
2. You Notice a Lack of Power and Sluggish Acceleration
When an air filter becomes clogged, restricting the airflow to the engine, it can cause a loss of power and slow acceleration. To avoid such problems, always replace your air filter at the recommended intervals.
3. Your Car Is Heavy on Fuel
If you find yourself refueling more often, it could be a sign that your air filter needs replacing. An old, dirty, or clogged filter blocking the airflow could cause your engine to burn more gas to make up for the reduced oxygen supply.
4. You Smell Gas
If you smell gas when you turn on the engine, it could be a warning sign that your air filter is not doing its job. A dirty or clogged filter can cause an excess of unburnt fuel, which will exit through the tailpipe, resulting in a strong gasoline odor.
5. You Hear Coughing Sounds and Feel Vibrations
If you experience vibrating and shaking and hearing coughing sounds from under the hood, blame a blocked air filter. Additionally, this can also lead to sputtering sounds caused by the reduced airflow to the combustion chamber.
6. Your Car Idles Roughly, Misfires, and Is Hard To Start
A dirty or clogged filter restricting airflow will cause an accumulation of unburned fuel to turn into soot, fouling the spark plugs and preventing proper sparking. The result is rough idling, misfires, and difficulty starting your car.
7. You See Black Smoke From the Tailpipe
Black smoke emanating from your tailpipe indicates that the fuel is not being burned properly due to a dirty or clogged filter. This will cause the unburned fuel to escape through the tailpipe.
We recommend replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions. Check the maintenance schedule in your Ford owner’s manual for specific air filter replacement intervals. Call Holt Motors Ford of Cokato today for a new Motorcraft air filter that offers exceptional efficiency and temperature resistance to protect your engine.
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