{"id":122288,"date":"2024-11-26T23:55:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T07:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=122288"},"modified":"2025-02-10T20:36:36","modified_gmt":"2025-02-11T04:36:36","slug":"bad-engine-air-filter-symptoms-and-replacement-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-engine-air-filter-symptoms-and-replacement-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Bad Engine Air Filter Symptoms and Replacement Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span><style>.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column122288_cb1811-7b inner-column-1 qk-look-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-row ultp-block-45c655  qk-main-wrap\"><div class=\"ultp-row-wrapper\"><div class=\"ultp-row-content\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-ultimate-post-column ultp-block-f9c5f0\"><div class=\"ultp-column-wrapper\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8\"]{text-align:center;font-size:20px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-family:Inter;font-weight:500;font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"kt-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8 summary-title wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading122288_62175f-d8\"><span>Summary<\/span><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your vehicle&rsquo;s engine air filter is part of its induction system. It cleans the air entering your engine before the start of the combustion process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inoperative engine air filter symptoms include visible dirt or debris, odd engine noises, and black exhaust smoke.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It doesn&rsquo;t take too long for a DIY pro to finish an engine air filter replacement, but beginners might have a tougher time. Bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop if you aren&rsquo;t confident in your abilities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re noticing dirty air filter symptoms on your daily drives, it&rsquo;s probably time to switch out your engine air filter for a new one. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/air-filter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"air filter\">air filter<\/a> helps the engine run well and keeps the air in its different sections clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we&rsquo;ll be taking a look at what engine air filters actually do, the signs that they&rsquo;re faulty, and some tips for how to replace them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Importance of Engine Air Filters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your vehicle&rsquo;s engine air filter is part of its induction system, which also includes the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/cylinder-head\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"cylinder heads\">cylinder heads<\/a> and the intake valves. It cleans the air entering your engine before the start of the combustion process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clean air makes for cleaner ignition, meaning fewer particulates in the exhaust. About 10,400 gallons of air flow through a vehicle&rsquo;s engine air filter for every gallon of fuel injected through the system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Inoperative Engine Air Filter Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suspect you need to change your vehicle&rsquo;s engine air filter, watch out for the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visible Dirt or Debris<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you change your vehicle&rsquo;s engine oil, you can take a look at its air filter. See if there&rsquo;s dirt trapped between the filter pleats or a thick layer of dirt on the material.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column122288_219603-db{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column122288_219603-db > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column122288_219603-db kb-section-dir-vertical kb-section-sm-dir-vertical inner-column-1 pro-tip-widget\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem );row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;padding-right:32px;padding-bottom:20px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, calc(10% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)))minmax(0, calc(90% - ((var(--global-kb-gap-none, 0rem ) * 1 )\/2)));}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.00;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-top-sep{height:100px;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{width:100%;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-top-sep svg{fill:#ffffff!important;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:28px;padding-right:16px;padding-bottom:25px;padding-left:16px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr) minmax(0, 2fr);}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep{height:px;}.kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d .kt-row-layout-bottom-sep svg{width:%;}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id122288_d1154d-3d alignnone pro-tip-wrap wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-2-columns kt-row-layout-right-golden kt-tab-layout-right-golden kt-mobile-layout-right-golden kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{display:flex;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{min-height:45px;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{row-gap:0px;column-gap:0px;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;}}@media all and (min-width: 768px) and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:flex-start;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > *, .kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-image, .kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > figure.wp-block-kadence-image{margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;}.kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image-is-ratio-size{flex-grow:1;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column122288_01d2b2-3c kb-section-dir-horizontal kb-section-md-dir-horizontal inner-column-1 pro-tip-item1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-image122288_43126c-fa.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .kb-image122288_43126c-fa .kb-image-is-ratio-size{max-width:45px;width:100%;}.wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image122288_43126c-fa.kb-image-is-ratio-size, .wp-block-kadence-column > .kt-inside-inner-col > .kb-image122288_43126c-fa .kb-image-is-ratio-size{align-self:unset;}.kb-image122288_43126c-fa figure{max-width:45px;}.kb-image122288_43126c-fa .image-is-svg, .kb-image122288_43126c-fa .image-is-svg img{width:100%;}.kb-image122288_43126c-fa .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image122288_43126c-fa\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/image\/upload\/f_auto,dpr_auto,q_auto,c_pad\/carparts\/blog\/widgets\/protip\/services-icon\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img\"><\/figure><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column122288_1b9aa1-40 inner-column-2 pro-tip-item2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<div class=\"protip-desc\">\n\t<div class=\"help-tip\">\n\t\t<p><strong>Pro Tips<\/strong> are nuggets of information direct from ASE-certified automobile technicians working with CarParts.com, which may include unique, personal insights based on their years of experience working in the automotive industry. These can help you make more informed decisions about your car.<\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n    <div class=\"help-caption\">\n        <p>\n            <strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong>\nDrop the filter on a concrete floor and see what shakes out of it. If you see dirt on the floor after you drop it, replace the filter.\n        <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-change-your-engine-air-filter\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9\"><style> .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9:active, .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u93cb94bb4f8e7cb9fdbbf84b5c5138f9:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">How to Change your Engine Air Filter<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/seal-around-the-edges-of-the-air-filter-is-compromised-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"seal around the edges of the air filter is compromised\" class=\"wp-image-131086\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/seal-around-the-edges-of-the-air-filter-is-compromised-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/seal-around-the-edges-of-the-air-filter-is-compromised-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/seal-around-the-edges-of-the-air-filter-is-compromised-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/seal-around-the-edges-of-the-air-filter-is-compromised-150x113.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/seal-around-the-edges-of-the-air-filter-is-compromised.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If you see that the seal around the edges of the filter is compromised, or if you notice when you remove the air filter cover that it isn&rsquo;t holding its shape (sagging and out of place) replace it with a good air filter. You&rsquo;ll pay more, but there&rsquo;s a lot at stake. If your air filter housing is cracked, don&rsquo;t try to fix it with tape. Replace it. it&rsquo;s worth the cost to save your engine. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If the debris is minimal, you can use a can of compressed air to loosen the dirt and keep using the filter. However, if you shine a light through the filter and it isn&rsquo;t visible through the filter&rsquo;s pleated material, the filter is unsalvageable. Note though that even if you can see light through the filter (make sure there are no holes torn in it) and it gives up dirt when you drop it, replace it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before we go into the symptoms listed that indicate a near or totally clogged air filter, let&rsquo;s pause here to say that engines don&rsquo;t usually give noticeable symptoms unless the air filter is in horrible shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you splashed through some really muddy water and some of it made its way into the air intake of the filter, it may clog the filter very rapidly with mud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even if the filter is just wet, it&rsquo;ll seem to be clogged until it dries out. If the symptoms described here come about suddenly, you either ran through some water or a critter has built a nest in the air intake or the filter housing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If these symptoms come about slowly over time due to poor maintenance while driving in extremely dusty conditions, the air filter is the first place to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If you splashed through some really muddy water and some of it made its way into the air intake of the filter, it may clog the filter very rapidly with mud.<\/p>\n<cite><em>&ndash;&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\">Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Odd Engine Noises<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vehicle&rsquo;s engine starts sputtering, coughing, or making popping noises, it&rsquo;s possible that it&rsquo;s starved for clean air. Odd engine noises are some of the dirty air filter symptoms you need to keep an ear out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-is-a-hydrolocked-engine-symptoms-causes-and-faqs\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285\"><style> .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285:active, .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u34ce31624966041710dbec67742dc285:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">What Is a Hydrolocked Engine? Symptoms, Causes, and FAQs<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A dirty air filter limits the air supply flow going into the engine, which in turn affects the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. This leads to the engine running inefficiently and making strange noises. If there isn&rsquo;t enough air in the engine&rsquo;s cylinders, it can&rsquo;t thoroughly burn up the injected fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Black Exhaust Smoke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders has too much fuel, the resulting exhaust gas ends up carrying the unburned fuel through the exhaust system. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/smoke-from-exhaust-meaning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Black smoke\">Black smoke<\/a> coming out of the exhaust system is a clear sign of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Unburned Fuel Smell<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Along with black smoke, the excess fuel in the exhaust gases will give off a bad, unburned fuel smell from the exhaust. This clogged air filter symptom will show up when the air filter is blocked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Symptoms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/heres-what-happens-when-your-cars-engine-air-filter-is-dirty\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"other symptoms related to a clogged engine air filter\">other symptoms related to a clogged engine air filter<\/a> include increased fuel consumption, an illuminated check engine light, and poor engine performance. Increased fuel consumption and poor engine performance are the result of the air-fuel mixture imbalance caused by a clogged air filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Engine Air Filter Replacement Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re looking to replace your engine&rsquo;s air filter, it can be a bit tricky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you&rsquo;ll need to locate the air filter housing underneath the hood. On older vehicles, you&rsquo;ll find it on top of the engine. Modern vehicles have it sitting opposite the engine and mounted to one of the fender wells at the end of a large intake hose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, you&rsquo;ll need to remove the screws or clamps holding the housing together. Note that removing the old, dirty air filter isn&rsquo;t enough. Wipe down the housing with a clean rag. and keep any debris from falling into the intake and the carburetor if your vehicle has one. Also, remove the breather filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Install the new air filter and breather filters, and reattach everything you disassembled. You might also want to replace the PCV filter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-data443-irp-shortcode irp-shortcode\"><div style=\"clear:both; margin-top:0em; margin-bottom:1em;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/why-is-there-oil-in-my-air-filter-housing-and-air-intake\/\" target=\"_self\" rel=\"dofollow\" class=\"u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68\"><style> .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:#eaeaea; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid #34495E!important; text-decoration:none; } .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68:active, .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:#464646; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68 .postTitle { color:#000000; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u3aeb1fff645e234670331d454b8d9e68:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } <\/style><div style=\"padding-left:1em; padding-right:1em;\"><span class=\"ctaText\">See also<\/span>&nbsp; <span class=\"postTitle\">Why Is There Oil in My Air Filter Housing and Air Intake?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>It doesn&rsquo;t take too long for a DIY pro to finish this job, but beginners might have a tougher time. Always bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop if you aren&rsquo;t confident in your abilities or are unfamiliar with auto maintenance tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Often Should You Replace the Engine Air Filter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be wondering how often you need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-change-your-engine-air-filter\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"replace an engine air filter\">replace an engine air filter<\/a>. In general, a new engine air filter will be good for 15,000 miles. However, if you drive in a dusty or high-pollution area, you might need to replace it sooner. Consult your vehicle&rsquo;s maintenance manual for more specific instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And there you have it. Those are the common dirty engine air filter symptoms<strong> <\/strong>you need to keep an eye out for. Replace your filter as needed, and always consult a professional mechanic if you aren&rsquo;t completely sure what you&rsquo;re doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where to Get New Engine Filters for Your Car<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&rsquo;t settle for any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/air-filter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"engine filter\">engine filter<\/a>, get a high-quality replacement from <a href=\"http:\/\/carparts.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" aria-label=\"CarParts.com\">CarParts.com<\/a> today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We carry a wide selection of engine filters for a variety of makes and models. Shop from our website or download our mobile app to place your order in just a few taps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We know how hard our customers work for their money, so we source our products from only the top parts manufacturers in the industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our distribution centers are equipped with advanced technology to ensure that orders are packed and shipped out as efficiently as possible. Order now, and get your new engine filter in as fast as two business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shop and grab our best deals today!<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>If you&rsquo;re noticing dirty air filter symptoms on your daily drives, it&rsquo;s probably time to switch out your engine air&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-engine-air-filter-symptoms-and-replacement-tips\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":122599,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3753,52],"tags":[1276],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":{"0":"post-122288","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cooling-system","8":"category-diy","9":"tag-air-filter-2","10":"entry"},"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Bad Engine Air Filter Symptoms and Replacement Tips - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A clogged engine air filter can cause all sorts of nasty symptoms to crop up during your daily drive. Here\u2019s what to look out for.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/bad-engine-air-filter-symptoms-and-replacement-tips\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Bad Engine Air Filter Symptoms and Replacement Tips - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A clogged engine air filter can cause all sorts of nasty symptoms to crop up during your daily drive. 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