Engine air filter replacement.
The role of the air filter
The function of the air filter is to protect the engine by trapping dust and dirt in the air flow to the engine.
Where is the air filter located?
The air filter is located in front of the engine air intake and thus ensures a good quality air-fuel mixture entering the cylinders through the valves. Two filters can be found on some high volume engines.
The air filter is available in various forms:
Rectangular
Flat/rectangular air filter
Cylindrical
Cylindrical air filter
The air filter is enclosed in a sealed body, sealed by contact with a rubber or foam gasket placed around the filter.
Why do I have to change the air filter?
A clogged air filter leads to serious damage to the engine's internal ducts and, as a result, to malfunctions such as excessive fuel consumption, pollution, and even engine failure.
How to clean?
We don't recommend asking yourself this question. Blowing out the old filter with compressed air disrupts its fiber structure and exposes your vehicle's engine to rapid wear. Of course it is possible to clean the filter from large particles, but the small particles densely deposited in the filter element will not come out without damaging it.
When should I change the engine air filter?
In the vast majority of cases, the air filter should be replaced as part of regular maintenance - TO. But you should also check your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations on when to replace the air filter.
Taking into account the peculiarities of roads in the Republic of Moldova, the air filter needs to be changed more often than in Western Europe. Also we want to note that air filter blowing is not recommended by any car manufacturer.
If the air filter is not changed regularly, it gets clogged and blocks the air supply to the engine. The air/fuel mixture is disturbed, and the lack of air in the mixture leads to poor fuel combustion, which leads to fuel overruns.
SIGNS OF A CLOGGED AIR FILTER:
Lack of power on acceleration.
Opaque and dark exhaust smoke
Increased fuel consumption
Difficulty starting the engine
How to change the air filter? DIY
First of all, you need to locate the air filter. Sometimes you need to provide access to the filter (remove the engine cover, wiper arms, windshield compartment, etc.). To do this, look in the manual for your particular vehicle to see where it is located.
1 - If necessary, disconnect the main air duct. We strongly recommend to check all connections to and from the filter. It is mandatory to check for leaks and cracks. Any penetration of dirty air to the spigot after the filter can cause increased wear of the engine.
2 - Open the air filter box. Most of the time you will need to unfasten a few catches.
3 - Pull out the old filter and compare the old with the new.
4 - Be sure to clean the bottom of the box with a vacuum cleaner and a damp cloth to avoid quickly contaminating the new filter.
5 - Install the new filter.
Close the box with the new air filter and reassemble the entire cleaning system in reverse order.
As you noticed, the procedure is really simple and will save you time and money. If the old filter was really dirty, you will feel a difference the first time you start your engine, after replacing it. Fuel consumption will drop and engine traction will increase. An important bonus is that your engine will last a lot longer.