A February 2009 study conducted by Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that for modern computer-controlled, fuel-injected engines, changing a clogged air filter has no measurable affect on fuel economy but does affect ultimate performance. Average acceleration times for the vehicles in the study improved by 6 to 11 percent when running on a clean filter. The fuel economy of carbureted engines, which went out of production in the early 1980s, was impacted by a dirty air filter. The study found that typical fuel economy gains for replacing the air filter on the carbureted vehicle were in the range of 2 to 6 percent.

Performance Benefit to Changing a Clogged Air Filter on a Modern Vehicle
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Notes:
WOT – Wide-open throttle
MPH – Miles per hour
A clogged filter was defined by a level of airflow restriction that was sufficient to activate a common indicator light inside the vehicle showing the air filter needs changed. On all vehicles, the level of restriction was on the order of 6.0 to 7.0 kilopascals (kPa – pressure unit).

Supporting Information

Acceleration times 20 to 80 MPH at WOT* (Seconds)
 Difference
Test VehicleNew Air FilterClogged Air FilterSecondsPercent
2003 Toyota Camry17.2418.511.267%
2007 Buick Lucerne13.7715.451.6811%
2006 Dodge Charger10.2310.840.616%

* Wide-open throttle.
Source: Kevin Norman, Shean Huff and Brian West. Effect of Intake Air Filter Condition on Vehicle Fuel Economy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Report: ORNL/TM-2009/021. February 2009 (PDF 1.0 MB). Download Adobe Reader.

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