What does an air filter do?

Just as humans need oxygen to breath, your car’s engine also needs oxygen to perform the combustion process. The air filter is your vehicle's first line of defence and is designed to only allow clean air into the engine. It filters the air drawn into the engine thus preventing airborne contaminants such as dirt, dust and leaves from getting pulled into the engine compartment.

This relatively inexpensive part protects the more valuable parts of your engine from getting blocked and damaged by dirt in the air. Your engine needs air in order to operate properly, so failing to replace your air filter regularly could result in it becoming blocked. If this happens your engine could be starved of oxygen, and you may need to fork out for more expensive repairs.

Ford

The Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker, founded by Henry Ford in 1903. One of the most long-standing giants of the motoring industry with an estimated asset wealth of around $256 billion, Ford became a popular household name throughout the UK in the 1960s with the introduction of the Ford Transit, the Ford Escort and the Ford Capri.

How popular is Ford in the United Kingdom?

With the Ford Fiesta consistently winning accolades as the best selling car in the UK, it’s no surprise to hear that in 2018 there were approximately 5.5million Ford cars on the roads by the end of the year.

With a proven track record for good value and sensible, practical driving, along with a dealership just around every corner, Ford has developed a method of sustaining great sales by giving drivers just what they need.

Popular well-priced cars with a sturdy reputation

There’s a Ford car for practically every sensible driver. Actually, there are a few Ford cars for the more daring driver too. Take a look at the history of RS and Cosworth models, both making an impact in the world of rally driving and touring car racing.

While they’re better known for providing family transport that includes the Ka, the Fiesta and the Focus, Ford also produces the lavishly equipped Edge SUV, and also the S-Max and Galaxy people carriers too.

And for something quite a lot less mainstream, Ford deliver some muscle

From a very traditional and mainstream marque, it’s refreshing to see that they still deliver a great big slice of larger than life America—and the latest model Ford Mustang is no exception. If a Mondeo or a Focus isn’t really your thing, and even the RS models aren’t sporty enough, then the new Mustang’s brawny delivery of sleek lines powered by its 5-litre V8 engine could be just the thing. Failing that, the Ford GT supercar with its twin-turbo V6 won’t fail to turn heads. All £420k of it.

How often should an air filter need replacing?

You should change your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. This varies from car to car, and if you're driving mostly on polluted city streets or dusty roads, it's a good idea to change the air filter more regularly.

Your engine needs air in order to operate properly, so failing to replace your air filter regularly could result in it becoming blocked. A dirty filter can impact the engine power and engine performance as well as your gas mileage and fuel emissions. Look out for the symptoms of a clogged air filter mentioned above so that you can have a replacement air filter fitted as soon as you notice problems.

What happens during a car air filter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect your engine air filter and any related engine components

• If necessary, they will clean or replace your air filter

• After the new air filter is installed the mechanic will test your car to ensure everything is working properly

• They will advise if any other related parts need to be replaced

When should an air filter be replaced?

You should change your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. This varies from car to car, and if you're driving mostly on polluted city streets or dusty roads, it's a good idea to change the air filter more regularly.

Your engine needs air in order to operate properly, so failing to replace your air filter regularly could result in it becoming blocked. A dirty filter can impact the engine power and engine performance as well as your gas mileage and fuel emissions. Look out for the symptoms of a clogged air filter mentioned above so that you can have a replacement air filter fitted as soon as you notice problems.

What are the symptoms of a dirty car air filter?

Usually, there a few signs you can look for:

• The air filter appears dirty

• You’re experiencing decreased fuel mileage

• Your engine keeps misfiring

• Reduction in engine power

• Strange engine noises

• Strong fuel smell

• Flames or black smoke coming from the exhaust

• Engine warning light illuminates

How often should you replace your car's air filter?

We recommend replacing your engine air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles - this will vary depending on your car and driving conditions.

What happens during a car air filter replacement?

Our certified mechanics will:

• Inspect your engine air filter and any related engine components

• If necessary, they will clean or replace your air filter

• After the new air filter is installed the mechanic will test your car to ensure everything is working properly

• They will advise if any other related parts need to be replaced

What is the average life of an air filter?

Air filters should last between 15,000 to 30,000 miles, however if you frequently drive on polluted city roads or in dusty environments, you may want to replace your air filter sooner.

Can you drive with a blocked air filter?

You should avoid driving if your air filter is clogged or very dirty as it can wreak havoc on other engine aspects as your car begins to struggle over time. A dirty air filter will reduce the flow of oxygen through your engine, reducing your engine performance and fuel efficiency. Therefore it could end up costing you more money in the long run, so it’s worth changing the air filter regularly.

Do air filters deteriorate with age?

Over time your air filter will become clogged up with dirt, debris and bugs from the air sucked into your engine compartment. They therefore need to be well maintained, cleaned and replaced when necessary. Usually air filters will need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to keep your engine happy and healthy.

The law, vehicle regulations and your MOT

Although there are no specific laws or regulations surrounding the condition of your engine air filter, a blocked air filter can affect your engine’s performance and emissions. Your car’s emissions are checked as part of its annual MOT test so it’s important to keep your air filter in good working order.