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DoctorOH Champion Author Cleveland Posts:4,878 Points:1,079,350 Joined:Mar 2010	Message Posted: Jun 23, 2012 8:05:04 AM Ignore DoctorOH Report Abuse Does a dirty air cleaner reduce your gas mileage

DoctorOH

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Cleveland

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Message Posted: Jun 23, 2012 8:05:04 AM

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Does a dirty air cleaner reduce your gas mileage

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dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Dec 31, 2012 8:44:54 PM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse A dirty air filter would have to restrict(hold back)air flow to a degree,not based on operational design tolerances.The ECM/EFI system will try to balance the drop in air flow as the filter falters,but that range of control gets compromized as the filter gets more plugged with dirt. My guess is when the engine reaches near 70% throttle opening,performance is starting to suffer and even more for the last 30%...WOT,but who runs at highway speed at over 100 mph. Old carb. operated engines simply went rich if those air filters got dirty over 30%,visible dirt could be blown away but the micro contamination,not seen cuts air flow causing a choked rich fuel wasting operation.The higher the rpms the more > richer use of fuel going in and out... as sooty...
Houckster Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,346 Points:693,480 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: Dec 31, 2012 8:21:45 PM Ignore Houckster Report Abuse Unless the filter becomes badly clogged by something like a combination of oil and dusts (caused by drawing air from the PCV valve), the air filter should not decrease mileage. There's a reason why the filter media is bright white and it relates to making it easier to convince consumers to buy new air filters.
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:807 Points:208,850 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 31, 2012 3:42:09 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse not sure
JasTheAce All-Star Author Raleigh Posts:980 Points:174,285 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Dec 28, 2012 4:59:04 PM Ignore JasTheAce Report Abuse yes indeed
gvan Champion Author Chicago Posts:21,548 Points:2,838,240 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Dec 28, 2012 3:57:07 PM Ignore gvan Report Abuse Motor Week said the newer filters, when dirty, do not cause a decline in mpg. However, I could see a drop in mpg if you went 80,000 miles without a change or didn't ever change the filter.
jrferrari All-Star Author Orlando Posts:652 Points:172,590 Joined:Jan 2011	Message Posted: Dec 28, 2012 10:00:46 AM Ignore jrferrari Report Abuse I typically change my air filter every other oil change. I don't notice a measurable jump in mileage after the change, but it probably doesn't get very dirty in that amount of time.
10261970 All-Star Author Sacramento Posts:977 Points:265,145 Joined:Oct 2011	Message Posted: Dec 28, 2012 9:41:59 AM Ignore 10261970 Report Abuse Yes.
Mikeoids Champion Author Columbus Posts:16,775 Points:3,396,755 Joined:Jun 2003	Message Posted: Dec 27, 2012 7:58:26 PM Ignore Mikeoids Report Abuse yes
bearscharger Champion Author Cleveland Posts:1,332 Points:272,200 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Dec 27, 2012 4:23:42 PM Ignore bearscharger Report Abuse yes
DanFMA Champion Author Massachusetts Posts:1,121 Points:1,074,435 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 6:40:13 AM Ignore DanFMA Report Abuse Yes.
jack4141 Champion Author Alabama Posts:2,990 Points:695,555 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 5:17:36 AM Ignore jack4141 Report Abuse Yes
dgsteven All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:807 Points:208,850 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 3:20:57 AM Ignore dgsteven Report Abuse yes, I guess
PaylessKY Champion Author Kentucky Posts:8,735 Points:1,583,400 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Dec 26, 2012 12:27:45 AM Ignore PaylessKY Report Abuse A well maintained vehicle which includes keeping a clean air filter will make it preform more efficiently.
Karisholman Veteran Author Nevada Posts:281 Points:170,410 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 10:50:20 PM Ignore Karisholman Report Abuse It will help, It can't hurt
xtremecheap All-Star Author Arkansas Posts:986 Points:373,100 Joined:Jun 2011	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 9:16:58 PM Ignore xtremecheap Report Abuse No on an EFI. The computer tunes is down. You will lose power.
carinthuist Champion Author San Francisco Posts:2,250 Points:331,125 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 8:19:36 PM Ignore carinthuist Report Abuse Yes
CactusBobs Champion Author Phoenix Posts:2,733 Points:488,450 Joined:Jun 2010	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 11:26:34 AM Ignore CactusBobs Report Abuse it would have to be caked with dirt in a gasoline engine to change MPG But in a diesel engine even a light coating can reduce performance and MPG Every oil change , take it out , blow it out with air . if it looks to grubby or is falling apart , replace it Don't be filling up the landfills with mostly clean air filters
hornet17 Champion Author Vancouver Posts:1,323 Points:440,865 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 10:21:29 AM Ignore hornet17 Report Abuse yes it does.
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,913 Points:2,057,655 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Dec 24, 2012 9:26:03 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse Yes, engines need to breathe clean air
the1roadhog Champion Author Atlanta Posts:9,913 Points:2,057,655 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Aug 15, 2012 8:22:23 AM Ignore the1roadhog Report Abuse It doesn't help.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 15, 2012 6:37:42 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
outlaw329 Champion Author Austin Posts:7,621 Points:1,375,505 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Aug 15, 2012 1:10:22 AM Ignore outlaw329 Report Abuse Yes it does
Z12 Champion Author Toledo Posts:3,666 Points:760,640 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 9:26:57 PM Ignore Z12 Report Abuse Don't know
anthroMO Veteran Author St. Louis Posts:395 Points:116,540 Joined:Jun 2012	Message Posted: Aug 14, 2012 4:51:37 PM Ignore anthroMO Report Abuse yes
Watagump Veteran Author Orange County Posts:388 Points:500,300 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 10:03:24 AM Ignore Watagump Report Abuse no
kxy4fw Champion Author Denver Posts:1,226 Points:275,355 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Aug 13, 2012 9:48:00 AM Ignore kxy4fw Report Abuse yes
2011370Z Champion Author Phoenix Posts:5,983 Points:685,030 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 12, 2012 11:47:10 AM Ignore 2011370Z Report Abuse Yes
Banjoe Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:4,267 Points:616,215 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Aug 12, 2012 7:50:02 AM Ignore Banjoe Report Abuse Not as much as dirty gas.
dontuknowOH Champion Author Ohio Posts:2,099 Points:36,585 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 5:15:51 PM Ignore dontuknowOH Report Abuse Really the air filter called the cabin filter can cause excess fuel to be consummed. If that filter gets clogged and it will,then the comfort air flow becomes compromised. That air whether heated or cooled gets restricted and much more blower speed is needed to push it forward out the vents. The vehicles altenator sees this increased amperage as a heavier load(then more engine HP.is required to make up that load differience).Some vehicles have them some don't Ask your auto parts store.maybe DIY the replacement yourself. GL....
2amy Champion Author Fresno Posts:1,714 Points:607,005 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 3:07:58 PM Ignore 2amy Report Abuse Yes.
Aaron33409 Champion Author Miami Posts:2,043 Points:448,740 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 12:15:48 PM Ignore Aaron33409 Report Abuse yes up to 5%
nichols Champion Author Halifax Posts:6,848 Points:1,832,915 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 10:37:39 AM Ignore nichols Report Abuse not until it gets really dirty
kxy4fw Champion Author Denver Posts:1,226 Points:275,355 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 10:17:10 AM Ignore kxy4fw Report Abuse yes
Hemond Champion Author Providence Posts:8,202 Points:133,725 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 9:19:45 AM Ignore Hemond Report Abuse QUOTE """I would worry more about getting your mass air flow sensor dirty if your engine air filter is getting too old.""" The MAF has an automatic clean cycle. Each time you shut down the cycle runs. Works similar to a self cleaning oven.
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Aug 8, 2012 1:50:21 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
Commute2 Champion Author District of Columbia Posts:1,163 Points:88,035 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Aug 7, 2012 11:15:34 PM Ignore Commute2 Report Abuse I believe it does
rrtruck Champion Author Austin Posts:17,491 Points:3,461,410 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 9:06:34 PM Ignore rrtruck Report Abuse Definitely
97PearlCat Champion Author Tulsa Posts:3,977 Points:836,070 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 3:04:12 PM Ignore 97PearlCat Report Abuse Yes
Bridge2012 All-Star Author Kansas Posts:913 Points:271,290 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 8:43:06 AM Ignore Bridge2012 Report Abuse Yes
IAMCANADIAN73 Champion Author Ontario Posts:2,400 Points:1,123,775 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 8:10:41 AM Ignore IAMCANADIAN73 Report Abuse Yes
Banjoe Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:4,267 Points:616,215 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 7:52:48 AM Ignore Banjoe Report Abuse priznsara - yes, this is not correct. Shockjock1961 nailed it exactly right. A dirty filter provides better air filtration but a plugged filter is a very bad thing. The problem here, like many places in life, is that you have to figure out when "dirty" becomes a bad thing. Takes a bit of knowledge, pressure drop meters, experience, mileage tracking, or just throw some money at it when you think it's time. I wouldn't change my air filter every week just to make sure my filter is clean. This topic sure has legs.
bithehr Champion Author Atlanta Posts:1,864 Points:426,410 Joined:Mar 2009	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 7:07:32 AM Ignore bithehr Report Abuse yes
grasshoppa2012 Rookie Author Houston Posts:8 Points:137,310 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jul 28, 2012 3:59:29 AM Ignore grasshoppa2012 Report Abuse I've got a k&n and clean it every other oil change (10,000 miles). Ive experienced better mpg with it good and clean... Just my experience.
kxy4fw Champion Author Denver Posts:1,226 Points:275,355 Joined:Nov 2011	Message Posted: Jul 26, 2012 9:21:43 AM Ignore kxy4fw Report Abuse yes
priznsara Champion Author New Mexico Posts:3,658 Points:533,620 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jul 25, 2012 1:52:49 PM Ignore priznsara Report Abuse I have always heard a dirty filter does reduce gas mileage - is this not correct?
Shockjock1961 Champion Author Illinois Posts:20,135 Points:2,187,110 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Jul 25, 2012 12:15:24 PM Ignore Shockjock1961 Report Abuse My definition of a dirty air filter is one that substantially reduces air flow, one WELL past it's recommended replacement interval. If the filter completely blocks air flow, well of course the engine simply will not run...
Banjoe Champion Author Winnipeg Posts:4,267 Points:616,215 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jul 25, 2012 10:51:34 AM Ignore Banjoe Report Abuse There appears to be a great divide here on what is being considered to be a dirty filter. I would expect that the air filter starts to collect dirt as soon as it is installed so can be considere a dirty filter after the first few feet that the car is driven. Am I to infer that these dirty filters are all being changed on a constant basis or are some of you knowingly driving around with the choke on or whatever other analogy has been tossed out? Or is the group letting the air filters load up to a reasonable degree before replacing them? By the way, that choke comment took me back a few years, so thanks for memories.
Shockjock1961 Champion Author Illinois Posts:20,135 Points:2,187,110 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Jul 25, 2012 8:36:38 AM Ignore Shockjock1961 Report Abuse "yes it's like driving with the choke on." I thought the "choke" was pretty much obsolete these days. It does not effect gas mileage. Modern cars simply compensate for a dirty filter by decreasing the amount of fuel that is injected. The end result is that the mileage is relatively unaffected while performance decreases...
jakerson All-Star Author Fresno Posts:556 Points:127,225 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Jul 25, 2012 8:18:50 AM Ignore jakerson Report Abuse yes it's like driving with the choke on.
GLM4205 Champion Author Toledo Posts:4,067 Points:802,245 Joined:Dec 2010	Message Posted: Jul 25, 2012 8:12:56 AM Ignore GLM4205 Report Abuse Yes it does if the filter is pretty much cloged with dirt.