When it Comes to Air Filters, Change is Good (Clogged Air Filter)
February 23, 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.
Elite Tire And Auto Care
33729 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48150
734.427.3100
Need Service?
More articles from Elite Tire & Auto Care

Let’s Clear the Air
June 21, 2026
All of us want the air we breathe to be clean and free of pollution. So, back in the 1970s, automakers started equipping vehicles with a device that reduces harmful emissions before they even go out the tailpipe. Theyre called catalytic converters, and while they will likely last you years on y... More

Catching Trouble Early
June 14, 2026
Your vehicle depends on wheel bearings. Sitting between the wheels hub and axle, they allow your wheels to spin smoothly, bear the vehicles weight and work in harmony to stay aligned with other parts. Wheel bearings can fail in several ways, and they may send the driver some pretty clear clues... More

T for Transmission, T for Trouble (Automatic Transmission Trouble Signs)
May 31, 2026
One of the hardest working components of your vehicle is its transmission, shifting gears up and down when you need it to. The transmission is vital to your vehicle driving properly, and if you start to see signs of problems in it, its best to have them fixed earlier rather than later. (Since ne... More
