Dirty Air Filter: 8 Symptoms And Replacement Cost

Signs Which Indicate That Air Filter is Dirty

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If the air filter is not checked and replaced at the recommended service interval or the vehicle is repetitively used in a dusty environment, the air filter keeps on getting clogged with dirt. It eventually hampers the performance of the vehicle, which is evident from some minor as well as major indications, which are as follows:

• Drop in power 
  Due to dirt clogged in the air filter, a sufficient amount of air isn't supplied to the engine. It eventually results in irregular acceleration even after consistent throttle inputs. 
• Glowing of check engine light
  When an air filter gets clogged with dirt, an insufficient supply of air causes the deposition of carbon deposits in the engine, which can trigger the check engine light.
• Visible dirt in the air filter
  In every service check-up, checking the air filter is a must. The accumulation of dirt and dust make the air filter look dark, thus changing its colour from light to dark.
• Drop in fuel efficiency
  The irregular supply of air into the combustion chamber due to a clogged air filter also results in fuel consumption more than required, thus reducing the fuel efficiency.
• Misfiring of the engine
  Due to carbon deposits caused to a poor air-fuel mixture caused by a dirty air filter, the soot residue starts accumulating on the tip of spark plugs and causes misfiring in petrol engines.
• Dark smoke from exhaust
  The emission of black or dark grey coloured smoke from the vehicle's exhaust pipe is also an indication of improper combustion of the air-fuel mixture, which is an outcome of a dirty air filter.
• Smell of fuel during startup
  If adequate air is not supplied to the engine, unburnt fuel is released from the engine through the exhaust pipe, thus resulting in the emission of fuel smell. 
• Abrupt noises from the engine
  If an air filter gets clogged with dirt, the lack of supply of sufficient amount of air can create a strange whistling sound, which is evident while accelerating the vehicle.

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Replacement Cost Air Filter

Usually, for affordable compact cars and SUVs, the price of an air filter ranges between Rs 800 to Rs 5,500, while the costlier ones can also be reused after cleaning. The replacement of the air filter is usually included in the basic labour charges of servicing the vehicle, which range between Rs 1,200 to Rs 2,500 for affordable cars.

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