car air filters

The Important Function of Car Air Filters By Marcus Peterson

Studies conducted over the past two decades demonstrate that the exposure of the passengers inside a car to the dangerous air pollutants including respiratory irritants, neurological agents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide and carcinogens is significantly higher than that of bicyclists, pedestrians and public transfer riders.

Increased exposure to these pollutants can produce serious health problems. Benzene is a known carcinogen and VOCs are also likely cancer agents. Almost all the pollutants can irritate the eyes, nose, and respiratory systems of people exposed to them.

They also may hinder the development of fetuses and infants. Studies indicate that the elevated levels of auto exhausts can also suppress the immune system, making human beings more vulnerable to colds, influenza, and other respiratory conditions like asthma. Car air filters purify the air inside a car, allowing the passengers to have healthy and clean air to breathe.

Car air filters come in two main types: the panel style, as used on most fuel-injected cars, and the radial style, which are usually used on carbureted vehicles. A car air filter is enclosed in a black plastic casing near the center-top of the engine.

The air filter traps dirt particles, which can cause damage to engine cylinders, walls, pistons and piston rings. Changing car's filters on a regular basis can have a significant impact on engine life and performance. A good rule of thumb is to change filters once or twice a year, or roughly once every 15,000 miles. Replacing a clogged air filter has two-fold impact on the engine: a fuel economy benefit: up to 10%, which makes for equivalent gasoline savings up to 15¢ per gallon.
Dirty and dusty driving conditions will require more frequent filter replacements. It is important to avoid using the wrong size filter in a car.

Nowadays, car owners are using ‘Nanotechnology’ based filters to improve cabin air quality. Such filters contain charcoal layers, which remove odors. These filters allow ‘mechanical filtration’, in which the fiber material of the filter with pores of a specific size will trap particles larger than the size of the pores. Almost 80% of the cars sold in U.S. include a built-in nanotechnology-based filter.

Car Air Filters

The cars air filter is an extremely important part to your car because it maintains many parts of your car system by keeping these systems completely clean by keeping them free of dirt. If the cars air filter does not work properly and dirt is allowed to enter your car system problems might start occurring. Car maintenance can be difficult enough thanks to normal wear and tear without having to worry about problems that can be prevented by having a working air filter. For this reason it is extremely important that you keep an eye on your air filter so that you can replace it when necessary. Replacing an air filter is one thing that can be very easy to do once you are taught and doing this replacement yourself will save you time and money.

If you do not know how to judge when your air filter needs to be replaced then try to make sure you change your air filter based on mileage or a set time frame. It is recommended that you change your cars air filter every 15,000 miles it is driven. If you do not drive your car often or far then make sure that you change your cars air filter once every year. Some people who live and drive in extremely dusty or dirty areas (high pollution levels) might want to change their air filters even more often.

When you feel it is time to check your cars air filter, especially if you live in a dirty area where changing should be done more often, check the filter to see how it is holding up. Most air filters are located under the hood in newer cars. The cars air filter in a newer car is usually rectangular in shape and near the radiator or the fender wells.

If you are not sure where the air filter is have a look at your cars owner manual or even ask the workers at an auto repair shop the next time you go in to buy some windshield wiper fluid or to get an oil change. Once you have located the air filter remove it and use a flashlight to shine through the air filter. If the light shines through pretty clearly then your cars air filter is usually still good. If you cannot see the light or the air filter looks blatantly dirty it is time for a change.

To remove the filter, if you haven't already done so to check, you will usually have to open a compartment or unclasp the air filter from the area it is secured in. If you have an older car changing the air filter can be little bit more difficult. These air filters are often found near the actual engine area and are screwed in. In most cases all you have to do is removing the cover using the screw driver so that the air filter can be removed and replaced with a new air filter. In a few cars there are additional clamps or clips that must be removed as well.

Finding new air filters is not usually that hard. Most stores that sell auto supplies carry a variety of air filters and most car owner manuals will state what sort of air filters and other parts are needed to help maintain the car. If all else fails the car manufacture or dealership should be able to help you find out what type of air filter is needed and will probably even be able to tell you where to find the air filter.

The author would like for you to visit Boat Transport Company and RV Shipping Services

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Clarence_D_Williams