Mar 24, 2021

The spring season is officially here and that means you’re dreaming about days behind the wheel of your beloved Toyota. Before you set out on that adventure, we want to make sure your vehicle is prepped and ready to hit the road. One of those things we want to make sure is in proper working condition is your vehicle’s air filters. Can you remember the last time you swapped them out for a new one? If not, then it’s probably time to take care of that. And this week, we are giving you the rundown on air filters and we hope you’ll hurry on by to see our team for a service appointment to get your filters right again! 

The Purpose of Filters 

  • The answer is pretty easy, your vehicle air filter keeps debris, dirt, leaves, and other particles out of your engine so that it can operate at peak efficiency. Filters are often composed of pleated paper or cardboard material and are either rectangular or cylinder in shape. Neglecting to change your air filters can lead to: 
    • Decreased engine power 
    • Poor acceleration
    • Poor engine health 
    • Higher RPMs leading to more wear on your engine

The Benefits of Changing Filters 

  • It’s been known that when you change your air filter, your fuel mileage can increase upwards to 14% for more modern cars. Changing your filters can prolong the life of your vehicle since these trapped dirt, debris, and other particles can lead to costly repairs on your engine. Keep a close eye on your filters and consider changing them every time you have an oil change. 

How To Know When To Change 

  • Filters should be changed around every 15,000 to 60,000 miles depending on the make of your vehicle. If you find yourself traveling dusty or dirty roads more often, your filters will likely need to be replaced more often. Keep an eye on these tops signs to ensure when to swap: 
    • Your vehicle is having issues with acceleration
    • Your RPMs are higher than normal
    • A visual inspection of your filter shows it to be dirty