What Happens if You Don’t Change Your Car’s Air Filter? Hint: It’s Not Good

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Car air filter: When should you change it? | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Joe Brann

What happens if you don’t change the air filter in your luxury car?

Let’s just say it’s not good. A car air filter prevents debris such as dirt, insects, dust, and other particles from entering – and damaging – your engine. In other words, it helps clean air to reach the engine so that it can function in top form.

The bad news: Air filters don’t last forever.

And if you don’t change them they will become clogged with dirt and debris and will begin to fail. 

car air filter
 Find out when it’s time to replace the air filter in your luxury car. | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Hernan Ruiz 

That means your air filter will not be able to filter the air properly and dust and other particles will get into your car’s HVAC system and contaminate it. 

Dust can then jam up the moving components of an air conditioner such as fan motors and valves, thus restricting airflow and straining the system.

car air filter
Get luxury car maintenance from one of our knowledgeable technicians at an indiGO Auto Group retailer. | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Joe Brann

So if your car’s air filter is dirty and/or clogged, it’s time to change it.

In fact, there are a few indications that your luxury car’s air filter needs to be changed. 

And if you happen to notice any of these signs, it’s important to replace the air filter as soon as possible so that your luxury car keeps running smoothly.

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Here’s a quick reference list of signs that indicate that you need to change your car’s air filter

• Decreased fuel efficiency.

• Strange noises coming from the engine.

• Black smoke coming from the exhaust.

• A strong smell of gasoline or oil in the cabin.

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indiGO Auto Group is composed of seasoned technicians ready to help your car air filter remain in top shape. | Photo credit: Porsche

Keeping current on your car’s maintenance is very important if you want it to run for a long time. And the air filter is just one of those components you want to stay on top of.

Luxury brands such as BMW have a reputation for producing some of the longest-lasting vehicles on the road currently. 

But it’s also your responsibility as the car’s owner to service the vehicle as necessary. This includes changing the car air filter. 

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Our BMW technicians will provide one-of-a-kind service to ensure your luxury car remains in great condition. | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Joe Brann

Your luxury car’s air filters help keep the air in your car clean by trapping dirt, debris, and other harmful contaminants before they enter your cabin. 

Without the air filter, all that debris would get into the combustion chamber of your engine. 

That, of course, can cause a number of problems, such as a drop in power, decreased fuel efficiency, and a difficult time getting the vehicle to start. 

So if you fail to get it changed, you could encounter all sorts of permanent damage, including engine failure.

car air filter services
Checking your car air filter prevents your engine from being damaged with dirt, dust, sand, and other contaminants. | Photo credit: Porsche

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How often should I change my car’s air filter?

Keeping your car’s air filter clean is essential for the longevity and performance of your vehicle. It is recommended that you change your air filter at least every 12,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This will help ensure that your car is running as efficiently as possible and will help keep fuel costs down. Additionally, changing the car air filter regularly can help reduce emissions and increase the life of other parts of the engine.

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Checking your air filter regularly is the best way to ensure it’s always functioning at its prime. | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Hernan Ruiz

So what happens if you don’t change it? Here are a few scenarios:

According to the Automotive Training Center, your car’s engine will have a difficult time getting air in. And the engine needs that same air to mix with the fuel in order to combust. That means with a faulty air filter gas won’t ignite as well or burn as strongly. Then comes the drop in engine power. 

“This could also make the engine start running roughly, and will lead to an overall drop in fuel economy as you need to use more gas to reach the same speed,” according to Automotive Training Center.

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A luxury dealership is always the better choice when it comes to your luxury car services. | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Joe Brann

Eventually, your engine will be working so hard to just suck air through the filter that it might start pulling debris through as well. And that can damage the engine’s internal components.

“Finally, eventually the amount of harmful contaminants getting past the hopelessly clogged filter will cause your car to stop running altogether, possibly causing permanent damage (although apparently that’s unlikely),” according to the article.

Find your drive: Are You A Sports Car or an SUV; A Convertible or Coupe? What Your Luxury Car Choice Says About Your Personality.

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Visit an indiGO Auto Group dealership for the ultimate luxury car service. | Credit: Photography © indiGO Auto Group/Joe Brann

So the moral of the story: Change your air filter. It’s inexpensive, easy to do, and helps your car keep breathing – and operating – in the way it is supposed to. It’s inexpensive, super easy, and helps your car breathe way easier.

Think it might be time to change your car air filter? Find one of our service centers near you below.

Don’t forget to check out our latest inventory online.


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