Apr 28, 2021

You’ve probably gotten used to having your oil filter swapped out when your oil is changed. But what about your air filter? That’s one little piece of equipment that is often overlooked. Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield, PA, is all about ensuring that your vehicle is always running at peak efficiency, so here’s the skinny on the humble air filter (and why you should pay more attention to it.)

So just what role does the air filter play in your vehicle? First off, a free flow of air helps ignite the fuel and keep things rolling right along. Second, the air filter keeps dirt and debris from clogging up your engine. Sure, you can remove it yourself and bang out all the gunk, but over time, the filter just won’t be as effective. That’s why a fresh one is critical.

When the air filter isn’t working at peak performance, you’ll notice it in lowered fuel efficiency (which means more money spent at the gas pump). You’ll also likely experience sluggish acceleration, less power, and even stalling out.

And if that isn’t bad enough, a worn-out air filter will start to come apart. That means little bits of it can be sucked into your engine and cause damage. Face it — that will cost you a whole lot more than the cost of having it replaced on a regular basis.

Peruzzi Toyota in Hatfield notes that the “when” of replacing your filter is dependent on a few things. Generally speaking, once a year is the standard, depending on your driving habits. However, if you drive longer distances (or on dusty or rough terrain), you’ll want to install a new one more frequently. At the very least, consider installing a fresh air filter every 20,000-30,000 miles to ensure the best possible performance from your Toyota vehicle.

The service experts at Peruzzi Toyota are always ready to check out your air filter situation and recommend the best course of action. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.