‘Total engine failure,’ warn mechanics of overlooked part that must be cleaned – only 1 in 5 drivers do it
A CAR expert wants drivers to inspect and replace a part that's often overlooked, but essential to keep a car running properly.
After reading this, you should probably check the part on your car.
Daniel Trock, a writer for automotive content site SlashGear, says there's a part that's often neglected on cars: the engine air filter.
The filter, as Trock explained, is responsible for filtering the air before it's brought into the engine's combustion chamber to be mixed and burned with fuel.
It's essential for keeping dirt, debris, pollen, and even insects from getting into the chambers.
A car's fuel system has a computer that controls how much fuel is mixed with the clean air to run efficiently and effectively.
It sounds bad because it is - an engine that's burning too much fuel is considered running rich, which has its own set of drawbacks.
"Besides being generally bad for the engine, this also means a greater draw on your car's fuel storage, which means severely reduced gas mileage," he wrote.
"If your filter isn't working properly, then a full tank of gas won't carry you nearly as far as it normally would."
It can also be bad for the planet, as raw fuel is then pushed out from the exhaust and into the environment.
"If the airflow stops completely and the fuel keeps flooding in, eventually, the pistons in the engine block won't even be able to move, let alone pump," wrote Trock.
Aside from the surely expensive tow bill to the repair shop, the damage done could be thousands to repair if the mechanic doesn't suggest a new engine.
Most air filters are under the hood and easily accessible in a large box attached to the air intake leading to the engine block.
The air filter can be removed from the box after unlatching a few clips.
Check your owner's manual to see the precise location of the air filter.
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If you hold the air filter up to the sun and cannot see light through it, it's time to swap out the air filter - it can be done from home with a part that's typically less than $30.
Most auto repair shops will include an air filter inspection as part of an oil change service, though it never hurts to ask to have it inspected.