Oil Change: Why it is Important to Change Your Air Filter

Changing your air filter when you get an oil change can help you save gas. Although it is not necessary to change your air filter every time you take your car in for an oil change, you should make sure that your filter is replaced at increments as suggested by your automobile's manufacturer. Some people may need to replace their filter more often because of their driving habits or places where they drive. If you drive in areas where your filter is more susceptible to getting dirty, you will need to replace your filter more than the average driver.

Your mechanic can take a quick look and tell you if the filter should be replaced. Most times when the mechanic offers to replace the filter, he or she will show you the dirty filter so that you can see the build-up for yourself and make an educated determination on whether or not you would like him or her to proceed. The cost may depend on the cost of living in your region and other factors, but when you price the first filter change, it is likely that subsequent changes will cost about the same. Keep money in your budget to change your air filter or you will end up spending more money in fuel.

Why is the air filter important? The air filter protects your engine against dirty, polluted particles that float in the air. An air filtered that is coated with dirty and grime, results in less clean air being circulated to your engine. In addition to observing poorer gas mileage, you will also notice that your engine is not working as efficiently when you have a dirty air filter.

Although some people complete the task of changing the filter themselves when they opt to get an oil change, you can save yourself your time and inconvenience if you allow your mechanic to complete this task for you. It only takes a mechanic a few minutes to change the filter, and the procedure is usually inexpensive. If you perform the task yourself, you will have to spend time buying a proper air filter. If you do not have the proper tools, you may need to go out and buy the items that you need. It is necessary to make sure that you have the correct filter for your vehicle. You also have to remember to perform a task that is often overlooked. People tend to procrastinate on certain maintenance needs until damage has taken place, or some people with good intentions forget to replace the air filter. It is true that changing an air filter is a relatively simple task, but any task that you allow someone else to do for you, will save you time. You can complete other chores while a mechanic places the filter in your vehicle.

The next time you get an oil change and your mechanic tells you that your air filter should be replaced, take him or her up on the offer. It is easier to allow someone else to complete the task, and you will have the peace of mind in knowing that you have a clean air filter.