Truck Air Filter Changing Intervals

Some people do not really understand the need for Engine Air filtration. The average diesel truck engine uses between 8,000 and 10,000 gallons of air per gallon of fuel burned, That is a lot and all that air needs to be clean to insure proper burn and performance. If the dirt gets through and mixes with the engine oil on the cylinder walls, you can already see the problem. Groves can form, piston rings worn, etc. 8 ounces of dirt can ruin an engine.

The air first goes through a pre-cleaner; this could be a screen in the air intake system. The air then heads for the filter and it pushes it's way through the passages and the dirt being heavier falls away. The dirt, which is trapped, helps trap other dirt, This is why a clean air filter is not as useful as an air filter, which is a little dirty. Most truck filters have a 99 plus % rating for catching the dust. 99.6% is not uncommon. It is estimated that over 70% of all air filters are thrown out too early.

If you are telling your customer that they need air filter each time you maybe making money in up sell, but your are doing a dis-service to them, Some filters on Peterbuilts can go 125,000 miles before air filter change.