Posted on Jul 23rd 2018
The air filter in your car controls the quality of the air that flows into the combustion chamber. If dirty air is constantly flowing through, you can end up with severe engine damage. And we all know engine damage is almost always expensive to fix.
The question of whether you should clean or replace your diesel engine air filter has been under debate for a long time. While many mechanics and car lovers are on opposing sides, we've figured out a clear answer once and for all.
Continue reading and we'll help you make the best decision for you and your car.
We know why it's important to keep your diesel engine air filter clean, but do you know how to tell if there's a problem? Here are some of the main signs you will come across if your air filter needs a little TLC:
If your filter is displaying any of these traits, it might be failing. You shouldn't wait to have it checked out because it could mean even more damage to other parts of your car.
Although the purpose of air filters hasn't changed, the way they're made has gone through many changes. Here are some of the filter types you might find in your car.
These filters aren't made of flimsy paper like something you'd rip out of a notebook. This is an industrial quality of paper that is built to survive through some wear.
Paper filters are pleated in a way that's similar to the look of an accordion. This style increases the size of the surface area.
More importantly, it decreases the amount of space available for dirt to become trapped. These filters are generally inexpensive.
Foam filters are very popular among drivers who live in dusty areas. People who perform motorsports like off-roading and rally racing also prefer these.
The foam is made from polyurethane that's soaked in oil. This combination gives foam filters a much higher capacity for dirt and dust than its counterparts.
High-performance filters are commonly found in sports cars and competition trucks. It helps to increase the power of the engine primarily from the increase of air intake.
Often times, high-performance filters are also purchased with a cold air intake system. These products are widely available at specialty dealers.
How often your air filter needs to be changed varies. It depends on the type of vehicle you have, but also how often you drive it in what conditions you drive it in.
When you drive in heavy traffic, hot weather, or on unpaved, dusty road you will need to change the air filter more often. In most normal driving cases, the air filter can be changed every three years or 30,000 miles.
When you look at the user manual that came with your car, you will have a clearer idea of what schedule works best for your make and model.
If you suspect that it's time for a filter change, take a look at it for yourself prior to taking your car to a mechanic. In most situations, a car owner can visibly see if the filter needs changing.
Suggesting that your air filter is replaced prematurely is a common scam. And while this won't harm your vehicle, it will make you responsible for a bill that wasn't even necessary.
Cleaning your diesel engine air filter can help add to the lifespan of this car part. When it is cleaned, it will need to be changed less often. So, it's possible that you can go beyond 30,000 miles or whichever amount your manufacturer suggests.
In general, it's a good idea to check the filter out whenever you get an oil change. Most car owners keep up with their oil change schedules but often forget about the air filter. Bundling the two just makes things easier.
Cleaning the filter is a fairly easy process. You can clean it yourself or find a professional service if you don't trust your own judgment.
First, you'll need to make sure your car is turned off. Diesel engines are powerful and can easily suck something up like nuts, bolts, or an jewelry you might be wearing which is a set up for even more car trouble.
While vacuuming the filter has its advantages, it can leave some contaminants behind that you don't want anywhere near your engine. Instead, opt for cleaning it with a cleaning solution.
From there, all you'll need to do is swish the filter around in a bucket of soapy water for a few minutes. You'll see it begin to lighten in color as it gets cleaner.
Once you're finished, you can set it on a towel or dry. Make sure you don't have any place to go, as it can take several hours to finish drying.
Don't try to speed up the drying process by using a towel to wipe the filter. This can cause additional build up from lint or dust and even cause it to tear.
When the filter is 100% dry, you can put it back into its place.
Always opt for cleaning your diesel engine air filter prior to replacing it. And if a mechanic tells you it's time for a new one, find a second opinion before you decide on the service.
Air filters are made to handle multiple cleanings. When the cleaning is done properly, the filter will perform better than it had previously.
If you need more advice about filter maintenance, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help car owners get the most bang for their buck by practicing smart maintenance techniques.
Posted on Jun 30th 2022
With the right air filter, your vehicle’s engine can perform according to its full potential. Along with choosing a quality product, it’s also essential to maintain the air filter properly. This precaution ensures that the air filter improves the engine's fuel economy and prolongs its life. A good air filter cleaner will also lower harmful gas emissions and boost the overall acceleration of the vehicle in question.
Maintaining an air filter will result in sufficient air intake within the engine. Without this boost, the fuel mixture in the engine (which requires around 10,000 liters of air in each liter of fuel) will be too concentrated. The result will be ineffective burning and inefficient fuel use, which could also harm the engine.
Most experts on engines recommend that the vehicle user or owner replace the air filter every 15,000 miles or every year. If the surrounding area has a lot of dust and other impurities in the air, the filter might need to be changed frequently. Of course, using an effective air filter cleaner can make the part work much more efficiently.
No matter what kind of a vehicle you have—a dirt bike, a sports car, or a lawnmower, an air filter cleaner ensures that the engine stays in working order. Further on, we will discuss how to figure out if the air filter needs cleaning/replacement. We will then check out some useful tips for cleaning these air filters.
So, how do you know when it is time to whip out that air filter cleaner right away? Of course, a regular cleaning time should be in operation every year at least. However, there are times when you may want to have another go with the air filter cleaner.
Your vehicle will tell you whether the engine or air filter requires special attention. Here are some of the major signs to watch out for:
If you notice any such traits in your vehicle, it is telling you that the filter is failing. Do not wait to have this issue checked as it could damage the rest of your car as well. If you have not used an air filter cleaner for some time, try it now and see if that helps.
The recommended frequency of cleaning or replacing your air filter will depend on its type. Dry filters mostly consist of foam, which can get quite dense with accumulated dirt. This is why they need replacing or a thorough cleaning after at least every 15,000 miles.
Oiled filters do not require as much attention since they are quite effective at keeping out dust and other impurities. However, they will probably need attention after every 50,000 miles or earlier.
Maintaining your diesel engine’s air filter should be a regular task if you want your vehicle to operate smoothly. Fortunately, it is not difficult with the right air filter cleaner.
Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:
1. Find the housing of the air filter (usually a box made of metal or plastic) and remove the air filter from it; this process could take up to an hour or longer because you have to loosen each connection beforehand
2. Inspect the air filter thoroughly by looking at its interior and exterior
3. Clean the filter by using a brush, a cloth, or a vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment
4. Check if the air filter’s manufacturer allows the use of water to clean it; it is not recommended with oiled filters
5. For dry filters, soak the whole thing for some minutes to wash away the dirt
6. Rinse off and make sure there isn’t any soap residue; the water stream should be gentle so that there’s no damage
7. Allow some time for drying; you might have to shake away the water to speed things up or dry the filter gently with a hairdryer
8. Reinstall the filter after it is totally dry, along with any mounting brackets or panels that you took off before the cleaning
9. Ensure that everything is back in its place very securely
All the steps above will not be as effective if you do not have the right air filter cleaner. Choose carefully, as this choice could help you save fuel, reduce engine damage, and limit turbo damage to the charger as well. All of this will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Not every air filter cleaner is equal. So, here are some factors to take into account during your selection:
1. The rotor construction should be lightweight, and the cleaner should fit several rotor sizes
2. The shaft shouldn’t be too heavy, too short, rough, or made of materials that are prone to corrosion or rusting
3. The lid should be lightweight and have multiple edges to help venter the cleaner
4. The cleaner should regulate air pressure so that it’s both effective and safe
5. There should be proper air movement in the air jackets
When you choose an air filter cleaner like the Air Filter Blaster, it is possible to enjoy a quality tool's perks. Since it saves so much on maintenance and replacements, this choice pays for itself over time. Maintaining your air filter and diesel engine should always be a priority. So, get the Air Filter Blaster as soon as possible!