Changing or cleaning your engine's air filter can improve its efficiency and prolong its life. The main purpose of an air filter is to deliver about 10,000 gallons of purified air to the engine for each gallon of gas burned to enter your vehicle's engine. While it's only a small component among the long list of parts that make your vehicle move, an air filter plays a crucial role in how your engine runs and how long it can run.

A clean air filter and engine run more efficiently compared to a dirty one, and the air filter is the first line of defense for your engine. It allows it to get clean air, a critical component in the combustion process. Also, the air filter prevents dust, leaves, dirt, and other airborne contaminants from getting sucked into the engine, which could potentially damage it.

What do air filters do?

Efficient airflow is essential for seamless engine function. Diesel engines rely on a supply of filtered entering the engine's mechanism. The air intake in engines can potentially carry airborne grit and dust, this should be filtered out to ensure that debris doesn't clog the engine. Otherwise, your engine's performance will decline.

As the particulate matter builds up, the engine's efficacy gets compromised, and this could lead to engine failure. Fortunately, air filters can support engine operations by making sure that the air entering to the engine system is free from grit and dirt.

Some of the top benefits of regular air filter maintenance include improved performance, low emission rate, and prolonged engine life. Clogged filters have a significant and detrimental impact on how engines run, which could hamper performance and reduce power output. This could lead to low operator work rates.

It is essential to mention that the air-fuel mix in the diesel engines is carefully calibrated. Failure to maintain your air filter will lead to imbalance, and that means less efficient fuel use, which could contribute to greater emissions. This is something you don't want, particularly if you want to continue reducing emissions of harmful gases.

Air filters tend to trap dirt and debris that can cause extensive wear to your diesel engine. The size of the debris usually varies and could be quite small. The good news is that even the small particles of dust and other forms of dirt can be trapped as long as you are air filter is functional. This can prevent eventual damage to the pistons, cylinder rings, and the entire engine system.

Are diesel engine air filters similar to cabin air filters?

Cabin air filters not the same as diesel engine air filters. Most vehicles are also equipped with cabin air filters, which could help prevent pollen, dirt, dust and other small particles front entering the cabin, particularly when the air conditioner or heater is running. These filters play an important role and must be cleaned regularly or replaced whenever possible.

How often should you replace your engine's air filter?

As the air filter accumulates dirt and gradually clogs up, it minimizes or restricts the airflow into your vehicle's engine system. This could add strain to the system, making it more challenging for it to "breathe." Because of the increased vacuum, some debris or dirt particles can easily be sucked through the air filter and end up scratching the cylinder walls and engine pistons. You don't have to wait until your engine begins to suffer damage before you replace or clean up the air filters.

Get your engine air filter inspected during regular oil changes. An experienced mechanic can determine whether the air filter's condition can withstand the debris and dirt it is supposed to filter. If the air filter is clean, it means that your engine can operate optimally. But if it is dirty, you are supposed to get it cleaned or replaced immediately.

Keep in mind that some mechanics usually test the condition of the air filter by viewing it through a light source. If no light is visible through the filter, it must be replaced. Alternatively, you can use Filter Blaster, an original and patented air filter blaster, to keep your engine's air filter clean. Cleaning or getting your engine's air filter changed isn't an expensive undertaking. You just need to spend a few tens of dollars, and you can prolong the lifespan of your engine while improving its overall efficiency.

It is recommended to get the air filter replaced at a dealer or by an experienced mechanic. Remember, there is no specified period of time after which you must replace your engine air filter. Instead, get your engine inspected carefully and regularly, and the mechanic can always recommend whether or not you need to blast your air filter clean or replace it.

Yes, you can clean your engine's air filters.

You will find conflicting arguments online regarding whether you can clean heavy diesel engine's air filters. From our experience, you can always clean the air filters if they are dirty. Note that some equipment manufacturers usually warn against cleaning an engine's air filter and recommend changing it. This could translate to a higher cost for most vehicle owners, based on the assumption that most people don't use the right tools when cleaning an air filter, and this could damage it.

Suppose you have the right tools; it is safe to clean your engine's air filter. This comes with all the advantages of proper air filter maintenance – it's cheaper than replacing the filter every time you find it dirty.

Get Filter Blaster today.

The only way to clean your heavy disease engine's air filter is to ensure you have the right tools that will not damage the filter. We have designed a great air filter cleaning product to help keep your engine free from dirt and debris. Be sure to shop our products and learn more about how they work.