In a context of high fuel prices, it is recommended to replace the air filter according to the manufacturer's instructions (15,000 - 30,000 kms).
A clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by between 6% and 10%. This increase is particularly relevant in the current context, marked by the high volatility of fuel prices in Portugal, which have fluctuated frequently in recent months, in line with the evolution of international energy markets and oil prices.
In this scenario, maintenance as simple as checking the condition of the air filter can prevent you from spending extra on fuel, say the experts at Euromaster, a company specializing in comprehensive vehicle maintenance. It's a low-cost part, generally priced between 20 and 45 euros, whose regular replacement helps to maintain the engine's performance in optimum conditions, and is essential for protecting the engine's internal organs, as well as peripherals such as the turbo.
In addition to increased consumption, another risk of driving with a badly damaged filter is related to possible breakdowns. If the filter loses its retention capacity, dust and dirt particles can enter the combustion chamber, causing scratches on the pistons and cylinder walls. It can also be responsible for failing the mandatory periodic inspection (MOT), due to increased emissions of polluting gases.
Euromaster warns that this internal wear and tear can lead to serious damage, such as engine failure, which can cost more than 6,000 euros to replace.
Signs that indicate the need to replace the air filter
There are several signs that can indicate a blocked air filter. Among the most common are a loss of power when accelerating, the emission of darker, denser gases from the exhaust or a malfunction light.
When faced with these signs, Euromaster recommends that drivers go to a garage to have the vehicle checked by qualified professionals and, if necessary, the filter replaced. This is a simple and inexpensive intervention that contributes both to good engine performance and to preventing more costly breakdowns in the future, while also helping to mitigate the impact of fluctuating fuel prices.
Euromaster recommends replacing the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers, always in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. However, this interval may vary depending on the conditions in which the vehicle is used. Dry areas, dirt roads or periods of the year with a high presence of pollen, such as spring or summer, can accelerate the accumulation of dirt in the filter, making an earlier replacement necessary.
To understand the importance of the filter, it's important to remember that an engine needs two fundamental elements: fuel and air. On average, for every liter of fuel, an engine consumes between 14 and 15 kg of air. Before it reaches the combustion chamber, the air passes through the filter, whose function is to trap dust, dirt and impurities.
When the filter is saturated or dirty, the engine receives less oxygen than it needs. This lack of air makes the combustion process less efficient, requiring more pressure on the accelerator to obtain the same power. The result is less efficient combustion, reduced engine performance and increased fuel consumption.