The air filter in your car is a critical component of the engine, as it prevents airborne contaminants from entering and potentially damaging it. It is recommended to replace air filters at least every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to 24,000 km) to ensure maximum performance of your car. This interval should be reduced if you often drive in dusty conditions. Cleaning the air filter does not improve its filtration properties and can even deteriorate them.
The only way to guarantee efficient filtration of the air that enters directly into the engine's combustion chamber is to periodically replace the filter with a new one. While it's recommended to change your vehicle's filters regularly, you can extend the life of some filters by cleaning them. However, over time, it is necessary to replace all filters, because cleaning them becomes less and less effective. At this point, it's best to have them replaced by a mechanic.
A damp or smelly stain emanating from the ventilation grilles when they are turned on also indicates that it is time to change the air filter. You can find the cabin air filter around or behind the glove compartment or in the engine compartment, somewhere between the air conditioning system housing and the fan. This cabin air filter helps filter pollen, dust and pollution that enter the vehicle from outside. The intake air filter cleans the air from dirt and debris that enter the engine during the combustion process. If the car's air filter seems clean and white or just a little dirty, there's no need to change it. However, if you frequently drive on dirt roads, stop a lot and start driving, or live in a dry, dusty climate, you may need to change your air filter more often.
Reduced air flow to the air conditioning system is a good indicator that the cabin air filter needs to be replaced by a mechanic. You can find the intake air filter in the cold air intake box on one side or the other of the engine compartment in newer vehicles or in the air filter found on top of the carburettor in older vehicles. A new air filter allows the vehicle's engine to receive clean air, a key component of the combustion process. Naturally, any damage requires an immediate replacement of an air filter. Repairing these damages repeatedly exceeds the cost of a new air filter, so it's not worth taking risks with cleaning it. To ensure maximum performance of your car and avoid any potential damage to its engine, it is important to keep an eye on your car's air filters and replace them when necessary.
