5 Symptoms of a Dirty Air Filter: Possible Reason Why Your Car Feels Sluggish

The engine air filter is a vital component that filters dirt and debris from the air entering your engine. It helps keep your engine running cleanly and efficiently.

Today, I want to go over some of the common symptoms that indicate your car's air filter needs to be replaced. A dirty or clogged air filter can cause a variety of problems, so being able to recognize when it needs to be swapped out is important.

What is an air filter? The air filter is usually a pleated paper or fabric cartridge that sits inside a plastic or metal housing connected to the engine air intake system.

As air passes through, the filter captures dust, pollen, smoke and other pollutants before they can enter the engine. This keeps your engine internals clean.

When to replace? Most automakers recommend inspecting your engine air filter at every oil change and replacing it as needed or at least once a year. Shorter intervals may be required if you drive in very dusty or polluted conditions regularly. An extremely clogged filter should be replaced immediately.

Symptom 1: Decreased engine performance...

Symptom 2: Higher fuel consumption...

Symptom 3: The check engine light comes on...

Symptom 4: Strange smells from the vents...

Symptom 5: Engine surging or misfiring...

Replacing a dirty air filter is one of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks for your vehicle.

Catching a clogged filter early helps maximize engine performance and fuel economy. Let me know in the comments if you've experienced any of these air filter issues!