PART TWO – AN EXCLUSIVE INSIGHT INTO THESE POWERHOUSES OF YOUR ENGINE, BROUGHT TO YOU BY TEPA
In today’s economy and especially with the fluctuating fuel price, motorists can’t afford to neglect vehicle maintenance. Small problems, like a clogged filter, can cause your car to guzzle fuel and become sluggish or, worst case scenario, end up in a big money-guzzling repair job.
Dylan Petzer, National Vice Chairman of the Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association (TEPA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says filters play a huge part in the overall performance of your vehicle, so it’s good to know when these need to be changed.
“Filters are your engine’s lungs. When they’re struggling, the signs are pretty clear, although sometimes quite subtle at first. One of the first signs that the air filter needs to be changed is reduced fuel economy and a classic tell-tale sign your fuel filter is on the fritz is engine stalling,” Petzer explains.
“Your dashboard warning lights will indicate there’s a problem and it’s not a good idea to ignore these. Dismissing a bad oil filter, for example, will inevitably lead to catastrophic engine failure that will take a massive chunk of change to fix.”
Here’s why you can’t ignore the warning signs your filters need changing:
Air filter: Decreased fuel economy, reduced power, increased engine wear and potentially failing emissions tests.
Fuel filter: Engine stalling, fuel pump failure, fuel injector damage and, ultimately, a completely dead engine.
Oil filter: Ruined bearings, camshafts, crankshafts, and, at the end of the day, a complete engine rebuild or replacement. Ouch!
Since clogged-up oil filters can cause the most damage to a car, Petzer highlights some specific engine noises, smells and performance problems linked to dirty oil filters.
- “Check engine” or “oil pressure” warning light: Means your engine isn’t getting enough oil pressure, which could be due to a severely clogged oil filter restricting flow. Never ignore this light! Pull over safely and shut off the engine immediately. Continued driving can lead to engine failure.
- Engine knocking or ticking sounds: If you hear unusual knocking, tapping or ticking noises, especially from the top of the engine, it could be a sign of inadequate lubrication. This happens when dirty oil or restricted oil flow prevents proper lubrication of the valve train components.
- Reduced engine performance (can be subtle): While not as direct as air or fuel filters, dirty oil and a clogged filter can contribute to increased friction and wear, subtly reducing engine efficiency and performance over time.
- Oil appearance: While you check your oil level, also check its colour. If it’s consistently very dark or looks gritty shortly after an oil change, it might indicate the filter isn’t doing its job well or you have a much bigger internal engine problem.Petzer explains the warning signs that an air filter needs attention.
“A clogged air filter means your engine is getting less air and will compensate by using more fuel. The engine will be sluggish because a dirty air filter starves it of the oxygen it needs for proper combustion, making it feel weak and unresponsive.
“Another warning sign is engine misfires or rough idling. You may even hear a hissing or gurgling sound when you accelerate as the engine tries to suck air through a restricted filter.
“Check for visible dirt or debris on the air filter. It should be a clean, uniform colour and not resemble a mud pie or bird’s nest. In petrol engines, if black smoke is coming from the exhaust, it’s a sign the engine is getting too much fuel and not enough air.”
Similarly, a clogged fuel filter has obvious warning signs too, such as: engine stalling, rough idling, difficulty starting, reduced engine power/poor acceleration, “check engine” warning light and a whining from the fuel pump.
Something for motorists to note is that seasonal changes affect how often filters should be changed.
“Filters work harder in certain conditions,” Petzer says. “If you frequently drive on dirt roads, your air filter will get bunged up much faster than a car driving on tar roads. More dust equals more frequent air filter changes.
“Pollution, like we experience in most urban areas, is also a major contributor to the muck that builds up in air and cabin filters and high humidity can make cabin air filters prone to mould growth.”
TEPA’s golden rule to ensure a smooth drive year-round is to use the service intervals as a guide, but let your eyes, ears and common sense be your ultimate judge.
“If a filter looks dirty, smells funky or if your car is showing symptoms don’t wait for the calendar or odometer to tell you it’s time. A quick inspection can save you a lot of grief and money down the road,” Petzer concludes.
