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The robust, reliable engine of your Jeep requires a steady intake of air to function well. The filter at the entrance to the air valve serves an important purpose, both allowing the inflow of oxygen while also protecting your engine from dust, sand, and other airborne particles. But air filters clog up over time, which can lead to engine problems. Read on to learn if it’s time to visit your local Jeep dealer or a fresh car air filter.
Off-Road Driving Ruins Filters Faster
The legendary off-road capabilities of Jeeps make it a perfect vehicle for ventures off the beaten track. If you’re frequently driving over rough ground or unpaved roads, however, you’ll have far more dirt, sand, dust, and other contaminants flying into the air intake valve. This means your filter is working overtime, and you’ll need to replace it far more often. On the other hand, if you’re using your Jeep only on well-paved roads, your filter will likely last much longer.
Check Your Manual
It’s best to check your owner’s manual for specific guidance on filter replacement. The Jeep Wrangler, and some other models, recommend replacing filters every 10,000 miles in extreme driving conditions, and every 15,000 to 30,000 miles in ordinary conditions. You’ll have to make your own call on what kind of conditions you drive in. But whatever your environment, there are a few clear signs that your filter’s in real trouble and needs changing pronto.
Black Smoke In Your Exhaust Fumes
A worn down, clogged up air filter means that less air is making it into the vital fuel-air mixture that powers the engine. With less oxygen, excess fuel gets released unburned in the form of black smoke from your tailpipe. If you notice any such smoke, check your filter right away, or pop into your local Jeep dealer to have a certified pro check it for you.
Misfiring Spark Plugs
One effect of excess unburned fuel in an air-starved engine is a coating of soot building up on the spark plug. This leads to spark plug misfires, which you’ll experience in the form of engine misfires, starting trouble, a faster depletion of fuel while driving, sluggish acceleration, and uneven idling. If you notice any of these problems, the culprit could well be your spark plugs and your air filter, both of which will need replacing.
Your Dashboard Is Warning You
A Jeep’s dashboard has a ‘check engine’ light, which will start blinking if any of the above problems are detected by the car’s computer. Don’t ignore this signal. In such a durable, hardy vehicle as a Jeep the problem is most likely to be something as small as the need to replace your filter.
Your Filter Looks Grimy
New air filters start off white. Over time they naturally become brown or black with dust, dirt, and grime. A little discoloration doesn’t necessarily mean that your filter is used up. But if you can see that it’s seriously malformed and completely clogged up in areas, it’s worth showing it to a mechanic for a second opinion.
If you’re experiencing any of these problems, have a certified professional check your air filter at Adams Jeep of Maryland.
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