Unlike many other aspects of your vehicle’s maintenance, the air filter has few noticeable effects to alert you when it’s time for a check. The most common result of a clogged air filter is a decrease in acceleration power. However, this is hard to measure and may go unnoticed. Therefore, it’s best to periodically check your air filter with a quick visual inspection.
When you bring in your vehicle to Gregg Young Chevrolet Norwalk Service Department for routine maintenance, such as an oil change, the technician can inspect the air filter at that time for you. If it is time for a replacement, it can be done on the spot for you.
In between vehicle check-ups, you may also check your engine’s air filter yourself to see if it’s time for a replacement. If your vehicle has a paper filter, you can check by holding it up to a bright light – if little to no light is passing through, it’s time for a replacement. If your vehicle has a fabric filter, it is sufficient to inspect the filter for a layer of caked-on dirt to know that it’s time for a new filter. Some vehicles even have an indicator on the filter, which measures the pressure as air passes through the filter into your engine. The indicator will alert you when it is time for a new air filter.
If you live in a city environment with generally clean driving conditions, you may only need a new air filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles or more. If you live in a rural area, with unpaved roads, dust and other air contaminants, you may need the air filter changed more often. Same rules apply for distinguishing if you need a Cabin Air Filter Replacement.
The filter is critical to the performance of your vehicle’s engine. The air filter purifies the air entering your engine, removing the dirt and debris so that it does not damage your engine.
When a filter is clogged, it is unable to perform its function, and your vehicle’s performance will suffer.
At Gregg Young Chevrolet Norwalk, your technician can inspect and recommend when a new air filter replacement is needed so that you can preserve your vehicle’s performance and longevity. Gregg Young Chevrolet Norwalk has locations in Norwalk, West Des Moines, Indianola, Pleasant Hill, Urbandale, Waukee, Clive, Windsor Heights, Winterset, and the many other communities throughout the greater Des Moines area.
