Back to all

When it Comes to Air Filters, Change is Good (Clogged Air Filter)

August 4, 2025

Engine air filters may not seem like a big deal, but when they’re clogged up with dirt, dust, and insects, your engine could wind up choking for air and not delivering you the power and performance it was designed to give.

There are actually a couple of air filters in your vehicle.  One filters the air going into the cabin (the cabin air filter), and the other filters air going into the engine.  That engine filter is the one we’re talking about. After several months and long distances traveled, your engine air filter accumulates the junk it’s preventing from getting into your engine. You may notice your engine misfiring, your acceleration may not be what it used to be, it may make strange noises, and the Check Engine light may come on.

When you notice any of those signs, it’s time to bring in your vehicle to have us figure out what’s going on. We’ll visually inspect your air filter.  Keep in mind that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends a replacement interval for your make and model.  Typically, many automakers suggest replacing the air filter every 10,000-15,000 miles/16,000-24,000 km.  But if you drive in areas that are dirty and dusty, you should have it checked more frequently.  Also, if you spend a lot of your driving hours in congested urban areas, stop-and-go driving can also tax your engine air filter.

When replacing it, it’s important to get the correct filter. Automakers often offer a variety of engines in the same model, so our technician will make sure you’re getting the one that’s made for your vehicle’s configuration.  Keep in mind that the air filter is protecting your engine from contaminants, and having one that properly fits is important with today’s modern, high-tech engines.  

Replacing your engine air filter can help prolong the life of your engine. You’ll both breathe better.

Tuffy Pelham
3422 Pelham Parkway
Pelham, Alabama 35124
205-624-2190
http://www.tuffypelham.com

More articles from Tuffy Pelham

In That Case? (Transfer Case Exchange)

August 11, 2025

Ever wonder how all-wheel-drive or 4-wheel-drive vehicles get the power from the engine to the front and rear wheels? The magic happens in what's called a transfer case. In some all-wheel-drive vehicles, it's sometime called a power take-off unit, or PTU. Inside the transfer case is a set of gea... More

Not-So-Smooth Operator (Transmission Signs of Trouble)

July 28, 2025

You are heading down a flat, newly paved street when all of a sudden you feel it. Your vehicle jumps a little bit when you're accelerating and changing gears. You know it's not the surface of the road because it's smooth as silk. So what did you just feel? That kind of jumpingor grinding or sl... More

If You Drive Like a Maniac (Aggressive Driving is Bad for a Vehicle)

July 21, 2025

When someone mentions driving like a maniac, they're not talking about you, surely? Besides the safety issues of aggressive driving, you should know that your vehicle will last a lot longer if you'll just mellow out a little. Here are four traits good drivers follow if they want their vehicles t... More