What is a car air filter and why do you need it?

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Created on:

06 Feb 2024

Last Updated on:

27 Mar 2025

Filtering Out Trouble with Air Filters to Protect Your Engine

For many auto enthusiasts, understanding the complexity of a vehicle like a car is an amazing thing to know. Various sophisticated parts ensure the overall functioning of the vehicle. One such part is the car air filter. As the name suggests, the use of a car air filter is to help the engine receive clean and dust free air so it can function optimally. From time to time, one has to change the car's air filter, which doesn't cost much.

With Zurich Kotak General Insurance, you get a comprehensive package that keeps you off hefty expenses in times of need.

Importance and functioning of car air filter

Car air filters can be in panel, cylindrical, or circular shape. Let's understand the functions of car air filters in detail:

Fuel efficiency

An air filter in cars promotes healthy breathing of the car's engine. If you are someone who drives a car, you can instantly spot the difference in your car's fuel efficiency and acceleration once the expired air filter is replaced with a fresh one.

Emission reduction

Have you spotted a vehicle emitting black fogged emissions? A good air filter regulates and limits black fogged emission from the vehicle. However, if the air filter has expired, the exhaust system of your vehicle becomes overloaded and may function poorly while affecting the environment as well.

A happy engine!

A car air filter blocks small grains, dust, and debris from entering and damaging the pistons and cylinders in the engine. When the air filter becomes damaged and expires, the wall of the filter is no longer there, which may result in engine damage.

How often should you change the air filter in your car?

After understanding the use of a car air filter and the need to change it from time to time, an important question that may arise is “How often to change the air filter in the car”. Well, one easy way is to understand the changes in your vehicle's functioning and if you guess the air filter has been damaged, you can simply check it on your own or take your vehicle to the service centre and get it checked. Usually, the following factors affect the air filter and may need a change:

Driving frequency

How often you drive out, your car decides how often to change the air filter in a car. With each time you drive, the air filter functions. Usually, after 12 months or every 25,000-35000 kilometres, it should be changed.

The car model

Depending on the car model, the need to change the car air filter may differ.

Driving habits

The way and the location at which you drive also affect the air filter of the car. Areas with heavy dust or someone with rash driving habits may need frequent change of car air filters.

Conclusion

Along with maintaining car parts like air filters, you must also have a safety cushion for your car. Car insurance has you covered in case of mishaps and damages to your dear vehicle!

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Team Zurich Kotak GIC

The content of this blog has been created and carefully reviewed by the esteemed team at Zurich Kotak General Insurance, with the sole purpose of providing valuable guidance and sharing insights on the importance of general insurance. Our objective is to assist users in making informed decisions when purchasing or renewing insurance policies for their cars, bikes, and health. Our expertly curated information aims to empower our readers with the knowledge they need to protect their valuable assets and financial interests.

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