Gas Myth: Will a Clean Air Filter Result in Better Gas Mileage?
March 23, 2021
When you were a young driver learning the ropes behind the wheel, there were probably several pieces of advice that your parents passed down to you. Don’t use the cruise control when it’s raining. Always wear your seatbelt. Use your turn signals, even when there’s no one else on the road. Another piece of advice you might have heard is to make sure your air filters are clean so you’ll get better gas mileage. But does that bit of guidance still stand true? Find out below!
Do Clean Air Filters Really Affect Your Gas Mileage?
This might have rung true back in the day when you practiced driving the old Buick around town, dodging potholes and mailboxes. But guess what? Modern cars are a lot smarter now. They’re equipped with airflow sensors and computer software, which carefully monitor and manage the air and fuel mixture in your car’s engine. If you have a dirty air filter, the technology wired in your car will compensate for it in order to give you the best fuel economy possible.
In short, no, your dirty air filter won’t tank your gas mileage. If anything, your mileage may improve, but it definitely won’t be enough for you to notice.
The Places Where a Clean Air Filter Truly Counts
Before you start thinking about all the money you’ll save on never buying air filters again, consider this: a dirty air filter can still harm your vehicle and, of course, you. Here’s how:
- A dirty air filter can negatively affect your vehicle’s performance. Less air is able to flow through a clogged filter. This means your car will have a harder time getting up to speed when you hit the accelerator.
- A dirty filter means an increase in carbon monoxide emissions. Carbon monoxide (CO) is no joke. If you inhale too much because of a filthy air filter, you could experience carbon monoxide poisoning, which can include nausea or vomiting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, a dull headache, and difficulty breathing.
When Should You Change Your Air Filter?
Most of the time, automotive manufacturers will suggest replacing the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. If you happen to take a peek at it and notice that it looks grimy or clogged or that it lets very little light pass through, then you should change it. You can either do it yourself or ask your mechanic to handle the job for you.
In the End, Your Gas Mileage Comes Down to One Thing
And that’s YOU.
What you do behind the wheel has the biggest influence behind your gas mileage. So take it from HSO: obey the speed limits, leave plenty of space between you and the drivers ahead of you, leave home early to get to your destination safely, and remain calm behind the wheel. Trust us, your car will thank you for taking it easy!
Now that you’re well-versed on yet another debunked gas myth, let us keep you up to speed on one more important thing. HSO knows a thing or two about gasoline. In fact, fueling up an empty tank is our specialty. We’re proud to deliver fuel quickly and efficiently to your farm or business property whenever you need it. Running low on gas in your car? No sweat – just visit your local Express Mart, a proud division of HSO. Contact us today at 1-800-467-5044 to find out more or to request our services!