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Routine maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in good working order and to catch an issue before it escalates and causes major problems. A car’s air filter needs to be cleaned on a regular basis and replaced periodically. Sometimes, vehicle owners neglect these critical maintenance tasks and don’t realize that debris has accumulated in the air filter and is preventing it from doing its job.

How Your Car’s Air Filter Can Get Clogged

When dirt, dust, and other contaminants pass through the air filter, they can gradually cause the filter to become clogged. That’s why a vehicle’s air filter has to be replaced from time to time.

Nests are another common source of air filter problems. Animals, such as rodents, often seek warmth and shelter under the hoods of cars and build nests inside engine components. Rodents use leaves, grass, paper, and other odds and ends to construct their nests. 

A vehicle that’s parked outdoors is more easily accessible to animals than a car that’s parked in a garage. If you usually park your car outside, you’ll have to be particularly vigilant when it comes to inspecting and replacing the air filter. 

How a Clogged Air Filter Can Affect Your Vehicle’s Performance

When debris gets lodged in a car’s air filter, it can interfere with the engine’s ability to burn fuel and run properly. If your vehicle’s air filter is blocked, you might notice that the car is hard to start or runs sluggishly. You might also smell an unpleasant odor and notice that the “check engine” light on the dashboard is illuminated.

The Team at Tire Country Can Help with Repairs and Maintenance

A vehicle’s performance can suffer for a variety of reasons. A nest in the air filter is a common issue that’s easy to overlook. 

If your car has been running poorly and you aren’t sure why, bring it to Tire Country in Enfield, Connecticut. We’ll run a diagnostic check and figure out if the problem is associated with the air filter. If a nest is found to be the source of your vehicle’s problems, we’ll replace the air filter. 

The experienced mechanics at Tire Country can also help with routine maintenance, such as oil changes and brake and tire inspections. If we note a problem, we’ll make repairs so you can be confident that your car will perform well and keep you and your passengers safe. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.