You may not have put much thought into your vehicle’s air filter just because it seems like such a simple aspect of the car’s maintenance. Actually, air filters can make a tremendous difference in the life and general performance of any gas powered engine. Depending on where you live, how you use your car and how often it is used will all affect the needs and considerations of the maintenance of your vehicle’s engine including the air filter. At a minimum, the air filter should be changed every 20000kms. The climate conditions in the area you live in will make a difference in the amount you should replace the air filter. For instance, sandy and dusty areas will require changing the air filter more often to avoid clogging the engine with dirt and sand particles. The best way to remember to change your air filter is to change it every other time you change the oil. Not changing the air filter will cause certain problems such as reducing the car’s mileage and reducing the engine’s horsepower. Reducing the flow of air to the engine with a dirty, clogged air filter creates a restriction of airflow to the engine. This restriction of air makes the gas powered engine work harder causing it to burn more fuel. Therefore keeping up with your air filter replacement will help keep fuel costs to a minimum as well.