A telltale sign of a dirty air filter is poor acceleration. If your car seems sluggish and slow to respond when you press the accelerator, this may be an indication that the engine is not getting enough clean air. A clogged air filter reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches the engine, which decreases its power and performance. Replacing the dirty engine air filter with a new, clean one can improve engine acceleration. When you press the accelerator, the engine needs a large increase in airflow to keep up with the increase in the amount of fuel being burned.
If the air filter blocks airflow, it will take longer for the engine to get the amount of air it needs. This will generally result in a delay in acceleration and a decrease in power. Most engine management modules will be able to compensate for this to some extent, but if airflow is severely hampered, it can prevent the engine from starting. Cheap filters also let in too much air or too little air and this can affect engine performance and efficiency. When your car is idling or stopped, you should feel and hear the gentle vibrations of an efficient engine.
If the airflow decreases, the turbo will be deprived of air and this will affect engine performance. Air filters are essential for your car's performance, and if not maintained properly, it can cause setbacks to the longevity of your car. This is because the filter tends to accumulate a large amount of dust, debris, and other blockages as it does its job. It must also be sufficiently permeable to allow the entry of a large amount of air needed to operate the engine, especially when accelerating. The dirty air filter restricts air supply to the engine, causing unburned fuel to form a soot residue that accumulates in the spark plug. If the air filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris, it can have a profound effect on the performance of your car's engine.
Your engine compensates for this by consuming more fuel to produce enough power to move the same distance or speed as it could with a clean filter. In most cases, a clogged or dirty air filter may not affect miles per gallon as much as, say, a flat tire, but it can definitely take power away from the engine. A new air filter is white or off-white, while a dirty air filter will appear darker with visible dirt and debris. Designed to allow clean air to enter the engine, the air filter is your vehicle's first line of defense by preventing air pollutants such as dirt, dust and leaves from entering the engine compartment. To make sure your car runs at peak performance and efficiency, it's important to check your air filter regularly and replace it when necessary.