The Purpose of Your Cadillac’s Engine Air Filter
Your vehicle needs air to allow the fuel to ignite in the combustion chamber. The engine air filter cleans the air that passes through to the chamber and traps dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris so the air is purer. In most vehicles, there are one of three types of air filters: round, conical, or flat. Every vehicle is a little different, but an engine air filter is usually found beneath the hood in a plastic box that sits on the top or side of the engine. You’ll need to know what kind of air filter you have before you can replace it.
When Should You Replace Your Engine’s Air Filter?
Filters get too dirty to be effective, whether it is a fuel filter, a cabin air filter, an oil filter, or an engine air filter. The longer the filter is in place, the dirtier it gets, which makes it less effective. Your engine air filter will filter around 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of gas used. The usual recommendations are to replace the filter every 12,000-15,000 miles, but your best practice is to consult your vehicle owner’s manual for manufacturer-recommended time frames for all your maintenance needs, including the engine air filter.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace the Engine Air Filter
If you are not sure how long it’s been since the air filter was replaced, there are a few things that may tip you off that you need an engine air filter change:
- Problems with ignition: If the filter is too dirty, then you do not get a good air exchange, which could affect engine performance.
- Slow or sluggish acceleration: If there is less air entering the combustion chamber, you have poor air exchange. Oxygen is needed to permit combustion and when air is insufficient, you’ll notice a “jerky” feeling during acceleration.
- Filter looks dirty: Today, most vehicles have a snap-off or bolted-in plastic housing. If you feel confident about accessing the filter, you can visually inspect it and see if it looks grey and dirty, which indicates the filter needs to be replaced.
Remember, a clogged air filter will reduce your vehicle’s performance and can cause other problems down the road. A clean filter improves performance and gas mileage and contributes to the longevity of your car, truck, minivan, or SUV.
