As a general rule, most average drivers should be able to go a year or two before needing a new air filter. Jiffy Lube has the vehicle maintenance tips you need to keep you on the road. Everyone has questions when it comes to preventive maintenance. Access all the information you need about your vehicle, all on your mobile device.
Get service quotes quickly, find service recommendations, and access current and past services for your vehicle. Allow your local Jiffy Lube equipment to provide routine preventive maintenance to help keep your car, SUV, minivan or truck running as designed. This way, a small problem can be corrected before it becomes a costly repair. You should check your car's air filter once a year.
Many people choose to change the filter at this time, but some mechanics say an air filter can last 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Depending on how much you travel and drive, you may not reach those numbers in a year. Even so, you'll want to take the time to check your air filter once a year. If the filter looks dirty, it's time to change it.
Do not attempt to clean the filter and use it again. A new air filter is the optimal choice to ensure that your vehicle performs at its best and stays in top shape. How often you should change your car's air filter depends on how often you drive. Generally speaking, it should be replaced every 30,000 miles. A general rule of thumb is to keep track of how long the air filter has been in place.
The recommended average length of service is approximately 10,000 to 15,000 miles, which for most people is approximately every year. But keep in mind that, as with most things related to your car, this is just a recommendation and doesn't take into account your individual driving situation. The purpose of the engine air filter is to prevent dust, dirt and other environmental contaminants from entering the engine. Consult your owner's manual to help you choose the correct engine air filter replacement, or ask a Jiffy Lube technician. By providing clean air flow to the engine, an air filter ensures that the engine receives the correct amount of air needed to operate at its maximum level. A good indication that the air filter needs to be replaced is the presence of black smoke coming from the exhaust pipes when you start the engine.
Knowing some of the telltale signs of a dirty or clogged filter can prevent you from waiting too long to replace it. The filter helps keep the air free of dirt, bugs and debris that may be dragged into your car's intake system. However, you should be careful if every time you change the oil, the repair shop says you also need a new air filter. Worn or dirty air filters will cause your engine to malfunction; among the things you'll notice is that you'll have less power and weaker acceleration. If you find black areas in the section where outside air enters, it may be time to change it. Other signs that the air filter is affecting the performance of your car are sudden movements when accelerating or not responding as well as it should. Replacing your engine air filter is an often overlooked maintenance item, but a dirty air filter can have a negative effect on your car's performance.
The good news is that the air filters on most engines are easy to access and you can check the location in your owner's manual if you need help. This is a sign that your engine is receiving the right amount of air and oxygen, and the air filter should be checked. If you know where your air filter is located (you can refer to your owner's manual for where to look), you can do a visual inspection.
