Your car air filter is in your engine’s air intake system. It serves the vital function of safeguarding the combustion chamber against dust, dirt, and other contaminants from entering it and causing engine damage. Keep an eye out for the following signs indicating when to visit your San Jose Subaru dealer to replace your Subaru’s air filter.
The Engine Light Is On
When the air filter is clogged, it fails to provide enough clean air to the engine, which causes the accumulation of deposits on the engine parts, causing the illumination of the engine light.
The Air Filter Is Dirty
Air filters usually have a nearly white color when they are new. As time passes and dust and dirt accumulate, the filter will turn brown or black. Check the filter under sufficient lighting; if it looks dirty, ask your Subaru technician to replace it.
Your Car Is Heavy on Gas
If you have to refuel more frequently than usual, your air filter might be the cause. When the air filter is clogged, it can lead to poor gas mileage. A dirty air filter minimizes the airflow to the engine, which causes the engine to use more fuel to compensate for the lack of oxygen.
You Experience a Loss of Power
The amount of horsepower your vehicle produces is directly linked to the proper functioning of its engine. If you are experiencing slow acceleration, it could indicate that your engine is not receiving enough oxygen. Similarly, if your car jerks while accelerating or takes longer than usual to respond, it might be due to insufficient air that’s affecting the overall performance of your vehicle.
Your Car Idles Roughly, Is Hard To Start, and Misfires
When the air filter is clogged with dirt, restricting airflow, it causes an increase in unburned fuel. This creates a soot residue that can accumulate on the spark plugs, leading to improper sparking. As a result, your vehicle may idle roughly, be hard to start, or even misfire. Get this problem checked by your Subaru technician as soon as possible to prevent any further damage.
You Hear Strange Noises From Under the Hood
When the engine is deprived of enough clean air, it may produce unusual sounds such as sputtering, coughing, or popping from under the hood. This happens because the restricted air supply disrupts the ideal air-fuel mixture, resulting in poor engine performance and the strange noises you hear.
Replace your air filter after 10,000 to 15,000 miles or at least once a year. Call Stevens Creek Subaru of Santa Clara, CA, today. Our certified Subaru technicians perform a professional air filter replacement to ensure your engine runs optimally.
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