Different and Strange Noises If you begin to hear noises such as popping or coughing coming from the engine, it is a sign that your filter is dirty. Another symptom could be if you begin to feel your vehicle vibrate. This could also be a sign that your air filter is damaging your spark plugs.
Strange Engine Noises
If you start to hear coughing or popping noises coming from the engine compartment, or if your vehicle vibrates excessively, it can be a symptom of a dirty air filter that is damaging a spark plug.
Without an air filter in place, the engine may also be sucking dirt and debris in at the same time. This can cause damage to internal engine parts, such as valves, pistons and cylinder walls. The result is excessive oil consumption, poor engine performance, and eventually engine failure.
Engine Noise
The cause of the strange noise could be as simple as a dirty air filter. If you start to hear popping or coughing noises while you are driving, it could be a spark plug that is damaged because of a dirty air filter. The same is true if you feel a vibration while you are driving.
You should change the air filters at least once a year or every 12,000-15,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you drive in dusty/dirty conditions, you may be required to change your filter more often. Some filters are marked with a service life indicator that changes color when it's time to be replaced.
This will lead to the engine running less efficiently than it should. Poor acceleration is a telltale sign of a dirty air filter. A clogged air filter can be prevented by changing your air filter every 12,000 miles or so, depending on driving habits.
Start by filling a clean bucket with water and a small amount of laundry detergent. Submerge the filter in the water and swirl it around, using your hands to aggravate dirt and dust out of the filter material. Then, remove it from the water and shake off any excess, before rinsing it under running water.
Many people wonder, “Can a dirty air filter cause my AC not to cool?” The simple answer is yes – a dirty filter can create several problems that can hinder your unit's effectiveness. Not to mention, a dirty filter can also lead to premature failure of your system.
Over time, dust and debris get trapped in your air filters. The filters will become less effective and can even become clogged if you aren't regularly changing them. You might also hear thumping, buzzing, or a high-pitched whistling sound due to dirty air filters.
Change your filter more often. If you only begin hearing noises after the filter has been installed for some time, maybe you are not changing your filter often enough. As dirt builds up on the filter airflow resistance increases and this can result in air passing around the filter instead of through it.
Is no AC filter better than a dirty one? No. A dirty filter will slightly protect against some dust particles that will damage your AC system. Its better to have a dirty filter than having no filter.
When the air filter gets too dirty, it will get clogged and the engine won't be able to suck up enough air to the combustion chamber. When this happens, the engine will use more gas and less air, which will result in poorer performance and a drop in fuel efficiency.
If you see a visible buildup of dust or particles on a HEPA filter (it may look gray or dirty) or observe reduced airflow through your portable air purifier, you may assume that's an indication the HEPA filter needs cleaning. However, experts say HEPA filters should always be replaced rather than cleaned.
The air filter appears dirty
A clean air filter is usually white or off-white. A dirty air filter, on the other hand, will appear brown or black. Always examine your air filter in adequate lighting, and if it appears contaminated with dust, dirt, and debris, it is time to have your mechanic clean it out.
If you do not opt for a trusted vendor, you might end up with low-quality spare parts which might decrease your driving performance. When it comes to the air filter, a bad air filter can make a funny and loud noise to disturb you while driving your car.
A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.
Can Driving with a Dirty Air Filter Damage My Engine? Yes, it's possible. If an air filter isn't functioning as it's meant to, it could be letting debris, dust particles, and other pollutants into your engine, potentially causing damage.
Damage To The Fuel Pump
If you continue to drive with a clogged fuel filter, ignoring the low fuel pressures in the system, you could possibly end up damaging the fuel pump. The back pressure created from clogging up the fuel lines can put excessive strain on the fuel pump's motor and force it to push harder.
Neglecting the engine air filter in a turbocharged vehicle could result in catastrophic failure of the turbocharger system. This failure could happen as a result of foreign object damage or extreme heat – both of which would likely involve a severely clogged engine air filter.