As the wild fires in Canada continue to burn, many areas in the United State are being affected by the haze that is being created, including Kent and Queen Anne’s County Maryland. Some days a thick haze of smoke is so visible it resembles the fog we so often see in the autumn and spring months.
Only this fog is not an accumulation of moisture in the air, it’s a damaging collection of soot, ash and other pollutants.
These smoke particles can wreak havoc on the very essence of a vehicle.
However, there are ways to help prevent damage. One such way is so easy, we usually don’t even stop to think about it.
To put it in one word. Filters.
Filters, The First Line Of Defense
Maintaining clean filters is vital.
Filters protect our vehicles in much the same way a mask protects our bodies. And just as we need clean air for healthy bodies, our vehicles need clean air to protect its many systems. This is why filters are considered the first line of defense for your car’s ability to function properly.
Engine filters are designed to protect it from dust and dirt that comes from driving. But smoke haze is more than the typical dust that occurs when riding down a country road. It is heavier, and has acidic components.
When you drive through these affected areas, your vehicle is exposed to these contaminants that can clog your filter faster than normal.
Inspecting your engine’s air filter at the recommended intervals is normally sufficient to keep your car’s engine running at peak performance.
However, a dirty air filter caused by the soot, ash and other pollutants brought on by a smoke haze can result in a need to change your air filter more frequently.
Consequences Of Dirty Engine Air Filters
When a filter has become too dirty to trap pollutants, and ash and soot are able to get past it. The particles that bypass the filter can accumulate on many parts of the engine. Parts of the engine that are vital to the performance of your vehicle.
For instance:
Cylinder heads and valves: Cylinder heads and valves allow the air to flow into your combustion chamber. If soot or contaminants seep through, damage can occur to all the components, such as spark plugs and pistons.
Spark plugs are a part of the ignition process. if they are dirty it can lead to misfires.
An engine needs a good supply of oxygen. If airflow to the engine is hindered it will need to work harder to compensate. This will lead to slower acceleration and a decrease in performance.
If air flow is hindered the engine is forced to consume more fuel to maintain its performance, this leads to higher costs at the pump.
The Check Engine Light
Don’t ignore your “check engine” light.
All of the above issues can result in excessive engine wear and possibly shorten the overall life of your vehicle. These issues can trigger the “check engine” light on your dashboard.
If this happens it is an indication that a problem may have started and should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage and maintain best performance.
Regular air filter maintenance is vital to your engine and keeps it running at optimal performance. However, during periods of heavy smoke, such as those caused by wild fires, it is advisable to have your engine filters checked more often to safeguard your vehicle.
To ensure that your filters are clean and protecting your engine, call Joey’s Auto Repair and schedule an appointment today. Our experienced mechanics can provide expert care to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.
