Does Your Ford Need a New Car Air Filter?

A car air filter plays a crucial role in keeping harmful debris and contaminants away from your Ford’s engine. Over time, the air filter gets dirty and clogged, negatively impacting your vehicle’s performance. To avoid any potential damage and ensure your Bronco, Edge, or Ranger’s engine runs smoothly, take your car to your Ford dealership for an air filter replacement when you experience any of the following warnings.

The Filter Is Dirty

When new, an air filter appears white, but over time, it starts to get dirty due to the accumulation of dust and dirt as it continues to keep the air clean. Eventually, the filter turns brown or black, gets clogged, and can’t prevent contaminants from reaching the engine, causing all sorts of issues.

Illuminated Check Engine Light

If you notice your engine light is on, it could be a clogged air filter, causing deposits to build up on your engine, leading to damage. Your Ford technician will replace the filter with a proper Motorcraft air filter that is extremely heat resistant, has leak-proof polyurethane seals, and has a higher capacity for preventing dust and dirt from reaching your engine. 

Reduced Fuel Efficiency

The air filter needs replacing if you have to refuel more often than usual. A dirty or clogged air filter will restrict airflow, causing your engine to use more gas to compensate for the lack of oxygen. Changing the filter will save you money on gas and keep your engine running smoothly.

Loss of Power

When your car’s air filter is blocked, it doesn’t allow enough clean air to reach the engine, resulting in poor performance. You may notice sluggish acceleration and a lack of power. Replacing your air filter at your dealership at the recommended intervals is essential to protect your engine.

Strange Engine Sounds and Shaking and Vibrating

If your car shakes and vibrates while coughing sounds come from under the hood, the air filter is clogged. You may also hear popping and sputtering due to the restricted airflow to the combustion chamber.

Rough idling, Hard Starts, and Misfiring

If your car is idling roughly or difficult to start, it could be due to a dirty or clogged air filter. A filthy air filter will prevent clean airflow, causing an increase in unburned fuel that will turn into a soot residue, fouling the spark plugs and preventing a proper spark. Your car will idle roughly, misfire, and you will struggle to get it going.  

Black Exhaust Smoke

If you see black smoke pouring out of your exhaust, the fuel is not being burned correctly, caused by an improper air-fuel mixture resulting from a dirty air filter. Ask your Ford technician to replace the air filter to address the issue.
Ford recommends replacing the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on your model. If you drive your Ford on dirt roads in dusty conditions, it’s recommended that you replace the filter more often. If you suspect your air filter needs replacing, visit Conway Ford today, and the qualified technicians will fit a factory-approved Motorcraft air filter specifically designed for your vehicle.

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