When Should You Get Your Vehicle’s Air Filters Changed?

By Product Expert | Posted in Service, Tips and Tricks on Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024 at 9:19 am
Technician holding an air filter

Breath of Fresh Air: Knowing When to Change Your Vehicle’s Air Filters

In the fast-paced rhythm of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the essential maintenance tasks that keep our vehicles running smoothly. One often underestimated yet crucial element is the vehicle’s air filter. Like the lungs of your car, the air filter plays a vital role in ensuring optimal engine performance. In this blog post by our team at Third Coast Auto Group in Austin, TX, we’ll explore when it’s the right time to give your vehicle a breath of fresh air by changing its air filters.


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1. Regular Check-ups: Just as you schedule regular health check-ups for yourself, your vehicle needs routine maintenance, too. Experts recommend inspecting and, if necessary, replacing your air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, if you often drive in dusty or polluted environments, it’s wise to check it more frequently.

2. Decreased Fuel Efficiency: A noticeable drop in fuel efficiency could be a sign that your air filter is clogged and restricting the airflow to the engine. Changing a dirty air filter can improve gas mileage by up to 10%, making it a cost-effective solution for both your vehicle and your wallet.

Technician taking out an old air filter
Technician putting in a new air filter

3. Reduced Engine Performance: If you’ve been experiencing sluggish acceleration or a decrease in overall engine performance, a clogged air filter might be the culprit. Fresh, clean air is essential for the combustion process, and a dirty filter can impede this, affecting your vehicle’s power and responsiveness.

4. Unusual Engine Sounds: Listen to your engine. Unusual sounds like coughing, spluttering, or a rough idle could indicate a problem with the air filter. Replacing it in a timely manner can prevent further damage to engine components and ensure smooth operation.


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If you want to buy a well-maintained used vehicle in Austin, TX, you should head straight to our Third Coast Auto Group dealership. We have a wide range of vehicles of different makes, models, and types.