It is a safe bet that the air filter is getting clogged at 12,000 miles because this is when it needs to be changed. Always keep a clean air filter in your automobile to ensure optimal engine performance and efficiency. For your information, the following are signs that your air filter is clogged.
Check Engine Warning
One of the first things that may happen is the engine control module will turn on the check engine light. This warning covers problems that do not have lights of their own. The air filter does not have a dashboard warning light, so if it gets clogged, the module will turn on the check engine light.
Reduced Performance
A clogged air filter can affect your engine’s performance. It prevents air from making its way into the combustion chamber. Consequently, you will have a fuel-rich mixture in the chamber that will make your engine surge and buck. The engine may also sputter and lag if the fuel is flooding it.
Black Engine Exhaust
Unfortunately, as the fuel is burned away in the combustion chamber, it may release exhaust smoke that is black. You will see the smoke flowing out of your tailpipe. This is a sign that you have a rich fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This can be caused by a clogged air filter.
Poor Fuel Economy
Naturally, if the engine is burning away extra fuel, you will not get the fuel economy that you normally get with your automobile. Consequently, you will spend more money on gasoline or diesel fuel than you normally do. Changing the air filter is inexpensive, and it saves you money on fuel.
Popping Noises
A severely clogged filter can make the engine pop when you are sitting at an idle. If you are having any of the other problems listed above, listen carefully when you are at a red light to see if you can hear popping noises coming from the engine. If you can, the air filter may be clogged.
Finally, you can visually inspect the air filter. Simply remove the cover and take the air filter out of the engine. Hold it up to the light and look at it carefully. The air filter should be white. If it is gray or brown and covered in dirt, it is clogged or clogging. Bring your vehicle to our shop so we can replace it.
