How Often Do You Change Your Air Filter?

July 24, 2026

The blog this week is about the importance of changing the air filter in your Volvo or Toyota, or any vehicle for that matter. Running a car has become a major expense, especially with the ever-increasing fuel prices. Everyone wants to save money on a monthly basis, maybe for that annual holiday or your children’s university fund or for home improvements. Maybe it is to counteract the constant increases in your weekly food shops or increased utility bills. Read on to find out more:

Air Filters

The air filter in your car needs to be changed around once a year to maintain its efficiency - this is because it has come to the end of its shelf life and will no longer be able to operate in the manner it has been designed to. Neglecting to change your air filter in your Volvo or Toyota will result in restricting the air flow, lowers the fuel economy and reduces the engine performance. There are 2 main filters to consider – the engine air filter and the cabin air filter.

Engine filter issues:

Less power – the engine lacks the oxygen it needs if its blocked, leading to slow acceleration

Poor fuel economy – your car will burn extra fuel to make up for the lack of air

Rough idling – your vehicle may shake or misfire because the spark plugs are dirty through lack of air flow

Engine damage – dirt can pass through a damaged filter causing scratches on internal parts through debris passing though

Cabin Filter

Weak airflow – your heater and air conditioner will blow less air through the vents if this is blocked

Bad smells – Mold and bacteria build up resulting in a bad smell

Allergies – dust and pollen can pass through a damaged filter into the cabin

Foggy windows – poor airflow makes it harder to clear the mist off your windows – especially in the winter months

If you have your car regularly serviced, then this is one of the items that will normally be changed. You may need to look at your owner's manual to pinpoint exactly where it is located in your car if you wish to change it yourself. Do not attempt to do this unless you have some knowledge and the correct tools - DIY car servicing and repairs can often become costly if you are not sure of what you are doing and then need to pay a professional to put the disaster right! Happy Safe Motoring Folks!

ACC UK Limited
Farnborough, Hampshire
Serving surrounding areas across North Hampshire and Surrey

Call us today on 01252 370701 to book in your MOT, service or repair

Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, GRA – Outstanding Automotive Service Excellence 2025, GRA – Outstanding Customer Service – Automotive Sector UK 2026, Motor Trader Indies Garage of the Year Award 2025, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire