Does Your Toyota Need a New Car Air Filter?

We all know how much love and care we pour into our Toyotas. From taking it to the Toyota dealer to ensure the oil is fresh to checking the tire pressure, regular maintenance can help keep your car running smoothly. There’s one little component under the hood that may escape regular attention, however: the car air filter.

What Does the Air Filter Do?

The air filter of your vehicle acts a bit like its lungs. Just like we need clean air to breathe, your Toyota’s engine needs clean air to function at its best. The air filter ensures that the air entering the engine is free from contaminants like dirt, dust, and other pesky particles. Having a clean air filter allows for better combustion, improves fuel efficiency, and overall, helps you have a happier, healthier engine.

Signs Your Toyota May Need a New Car Air Filter

Not sure when it’s time to swap out that old filter for a new one? There are a couple of signs that you can watch out for to be sure you don’t leave your car struggling with a dirty filter.

Drop in Fuel Efficiency

If you’ve noticed that your car’s miles per gallon have taken a little tumble, it might be due to a dirty air filter. When it’s clogged, the engine has to work harder, using up more fuel in the process.

Weird Engine Sounds

When idling, your Toyota’s engine should purr like a contented cat. However, if it’s making odd noises or sounds rougher than usual, it might be gasping for cleaner air through a dirt-clogged filter.

Reduced Horsepower

Remember the oomph you feel when you press down on the accelerator? If your car has started feeling sluggish when accelerating, a choked air filter might be the culprit.

Black Smoke or Flames From the Exhaust

If your exhaust is emitting black smoke or even small flames, it’s a pretty clear sign that something is wrong. The engine may be getting too much fuel and not enough it, leading to unburned fuel escaping through the exhaust.

Check Engine Light

If your check engine light flashes on, don’t panic. While the light can turn on for a variety of reasons, a clogged air filter can be one of the simpler causes.

Visual Inspection

Sometimes the simplest way to tell is just to take a peek! If you open up the air filter and it looks dirty, clogged, or dark, it’s a clear indicator that it’s time for a change.

Replace Your Air Filter at Your Toyota Dealer

While it might seem like an air filter is a minor piece of your car, it plays a pivotal role in keeping your Toyota running smoothly. Fortunately, checking and replacing it is a straightforward task that won’t break the bank. The experts at your local dealership will have you and your car in and out in no time!

Give your Toyota the breath of fresh air it deserves! Not only will it reward you with better performance and fuel efficiency, but you’ll also know you’re doing your part to keep it running smoothly. If you think it’s time to make the change, visit Toyota of Kingsport to give your car the care it needs.

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