Here at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT Specialists based in Farnborough, Hampshire, we like to keep our customers
informed in the way of our regular blogs, about car related topics. This week our blog is all about the importance of your air filter, and why through
regular servicing of your Volvo or Toyota this gets replaced. Maintaining a clean air filter in your vehicle is essential to
keeping your car running in good condition. The air filter filters out unwanted dirt, debris and even insects that can clog up your engine which if
left unchanged will result in poor engine performance and poor fuel economy. Most car manufacturers recommend that you change the air filter in your
vehicle about every 10,000 or 15,000 miles – i.e. at your annual Volvo or Toyota Service; however, if you live in dusty areas, work in an agricultural
environment , live near the beach or you frequently drive on dirt or gravel roads and down country lanes, you may want to consider changing your air
filter much more frequently – possibly every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Filters are made of paper so it is easier to replace the filter rather than clean
it – they really don’t cost that much in the grand scheme of things but they do an incredibly important job in the health of your Volvo or Toyota engine.

Better Performance

A clogged or dirty air filter affects the airflow into the engine. This will result in less efficient combustion and poor performance for your vehicle.

Better Mileage

The correct amount of airflow into the engine also means that your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to create the power needed to accelerate or maintain
acceptable driving speeds. More efficient combustion means more power and less work for engine. By allowing an engine to work more efficiently, you
can usually improve your fuel economy by around 10% to 15% - this will have a significant impact on your wallet or purse the more miles you travel.

Less Frequent Oil Changes

Many of the contaminants found in an engine’s motor oil come from dirty and clogged air filters. A clean air filter ensures the oil will remain cleaner
for longer periods of time.

Identifying potential problems with your air filter for your Volvo or Toyota:

Black Smoke in Exhaust

If you see black smoke from the exhaust pipe, this could be a sign of a clogged air filter. With the reduced oxygen, the mixture will be too rich, basically
more fuel will be used in the combustion leading to black soot like residue being sent out of the exhaust. Get yourself a new filter!

Rough Engine Noise

If the engine sounds like it is missing or running roughly, it can be caused by spark plugs not firing. One cause could be that the spark plugs are not
firing due to the head covered with black soot residue left on the spark lead from the rich fuel mixture – which is a result of a dirty or clogged
air filter. Seek professional advice from your local independent Volvo or Toyota Garage!

Engine Back Firing

If you hear the sound of an explosion or something that sounds like a gunshot coming from the exhaust pipe, this again is caused by the rich fuel mixture
and some unused fuel exiting the engine into the exhaust system and then igniting from the heat. You might even see a flame at the end of the exhaust
pipe. Seek professional advice from a Volvo or Toyota Garage – get your air filter changed.

ACC UK Ltd are an Independent Volvo and Toyota car servicing, repair and MOT
Garage based in the heart of Farborough, Hampshire. We offer a dealership service at a fraction of the cost. We offer a free courtesy car facility
and a free collection and delivery service from your home or place of work, allowing you the freedom to continue with your everyday routine, not interrupted
with the hassle of taking your car to the garage. These are very popular services so ensure you request this at time of booking.