In a world where fuel prices swing more than your mood on a Monday morning, motorists can’t afford to overlook the little things—especially when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Something as seemingly insignificant as a clogged filter can snowball into a fuel-guzzling, performance-draining headache—or worse, a wallet-breaking repair.
Dylan Petzer, National Vice Chairman of the Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association (TEPA)—a proud affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI)—is urging drivers to pay close attention to their vehicle’s filters. “Filters play a massive role in your car’s overall performance,” Petzer explains. “They’re your engine’s lungs. When they’re not breathing properly, your car won’t either.”
What’s at Stake When You Ignore Your Filters?
Whether it’s air, fuel or oil, each filter has a specific job, and when one starts to fail, your entire vehicle feels the impact.
Air Filter: More Than Just a Dust Catcher
A dirty air filter restricts airflow to your engine, which can reduce fuel efficiency, cut engine power, increase wear, and even cause you to fail emissions tests. “When your engine isn’t getting enough air, it starts using more fuel to compensate,” says Petzer. “That makes your car feel sluggish and unresponsive—like it’s gasping for breath.”
Signs your air filter needs changing:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Engine misfires or rough idling
- Hissing or gurgling sounds when accelerating
- Black smoke from the exhaust in petrol engines
- Visibly dirty or debris-covered filter
Fuel Filter: The Unsung Hero of Smooth Performance
A clogged fuel filter can cause your engine to stall, reduce power, and even damage vital components like fuel pumps and injectors. Petzer notes, “If your car’s struggling to start, idles roughly, or feels like it’s choking on acceleration, it could be your fuel filter crying for help.”
Watch out for:
- Engine stalling
- Poor acceleration
- Difficulty starting
- “Check engine” warning light
- High-pitched whining from the fuel pump
Oil Filter: Your Engine’s First Line of Defence
Of all the filters, the oil filter may cause the most damage when neglected. If it becomes clogged, it restricts oil flow—starving your engine of lubrication and turning smooth-running parts into grinding metal misery.
Critical warning signs include:
- Dashboard warning lights (“Check engine” or “Oil pressure”)
- Knocking or ticking noises from the engine
- Noticeably reduced performance
- Dirty or gritty oil, even shortly after an oil change
“If you ever see the oil pressure light come on, stop the car immediately,” Petzer warns. “Continued driving could lead to catastrophic engine failure—and trust me, no one wants to foot that bill.”
Seasonal Changes? So Do Your Filters
According to Petzer, filters don’t all have the same lifespan. Seasonal and environmental conditions play a big role. “Drive on dirt roads? Your air filter will clog up faster. Live in a polluted city? Your cabin and air filters will need more regular attention. And in humid areas, mould can build up in cabin filters.”
His advice: service intervals are a useful guideline, but your own senses are your best tool. “If a filter looks filthy, smells funky or your car isn’t performing as it should, don’t wait for the odometer to reach a magic number—act.”
TEPA’s Golden Rule
Regular vehicle maintenance isn’t just about extending the life of your car—it’s about fuel economy, road safety, and long-term savings. TEPA’s golden rule? Let your senses, not just your service schedule, guide your maintenance decisions.
Because when it comes to filters, out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. A five-minute inspection today could save you thousands tomorrow.
