answersLogoWhite

0

A dirty air filter by itself, will not cause any damage to the engine. However, it is not wise to operate a car with a dirty air filter (or any dirty filter, for that matter), because the performance of the engine will be affected, and the risk to cause it serious damage is greatly enhanced.

An internal combustion engine is basically an air-burning device. The air-fuel mix relation in four cycles gasoline engines is around 14 to 1. It means that the engine requires 14 parts of air for each part of gasoline it burns in order to generate power. An air filter's function is to clean the air before it gets into the engine's fuel injection system, by retaining dust and other particles contained in air. When an air filter gets clogged by dust and debris, air supply to the engine is reduced. This causes poor performance, high fuel consumption and eventually will cause damage to the engine.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What can cause your car to lose horsepower?

There are lots of things that can cause that. Bad gas, dirty fuel filter, dirty air filter, and a number of other things can cause it.


What is causing sierra diesel to smoke when idling?

a dirty air filter or a dirty fuel filter will cause a diesel to smoke


Can a dirty cabin air filter cause bad oil burning?

No. A dirty cabin air filter would restrict the air flow from the heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.


Does dirty air filter cause dirty air?

No, it causes a restricted air flow, causing poor performance and fuel economy.


Can a dirty air filter in a Honda civic pose problems?

A dirty air filter will cause your car to loose horse power. You may loose acceleration and torque.


A dirty air filter can cause?

Poor performance, poor fuel mileage.


Can a dirty air filter cause a problem with the car starting?

Most definitely.


Why a slow response to acceleration on 2002 Malibu?

There are several things that can cause a slow response to acceleration. The most common cause is a dirty air filter. A dirty fuel filter can also cause the problem.


Why 1989 Volvo 240 won't accelerate properly?

A dirty air filter will cause your automobile to not properly accelerate. A dirty fuel filter will also cause your automobile to not properly accelerate.


What would cause a Honda Accord to start chugging while driving?

Dirty fuel filter or air filter.


What would cause a 2004 Trailblazer to idle rough?

There are several things that can cause your 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer to idle rough. The most common causes are a dirty fuel filter or a dirty air filter.


Can a dirty air filter cause a car to stop while driving?

no, but it can cause you to inhale the dust and overdose on extacy.