The cold winds across the Great Lakes create a unique weather pattern. This phenomenon brings heavy snow to the region every single winter season. Vehicles face difficult conditions during these massive storms. You must understand how frozen moisture affects your internal combustion engine. The air filter serves as the primary guard for your motor.
Now Skiles Automotive wants to help you protect your vehicle from winter damage. Snow crystals can clog the intake system very quickly. This process reduces the performance of your car during freezing temperatures.
How Snow Affects the Filter Media
The paper element inside the filter catches the frozen flakes. Engine heat begins to melt the snow on the surface. Now the water creates a thick paste with road salt. This slushy mixture blocks the passage of clean air. The engine struggles to breathe through the wet paper material. You will notice a drop in power during acceleration. Fuel economy often suffers because of the restricted airflow. Proper maintenance prevents these issues from damaging the internal parts. The experts at Skiles Automotive recommend checking the filter after storms.
The Risks of a Saturated Air Filter
A wet filter can collapse under the pressure of the vacuum. The engine creates a strong pull to get enough oxygen. Water might even pass through the damaged filter media. Moisture reaching the mass airflow sensor causes electronic errors. The computer receives wrong data about the incoming air. This leads to a rough idle or a stalling engine. Sometimes the check engine light illuminates on the dashboard. You should avoid driving with a soaked air filter element. Professional Auto Repair in Warsaw, IN offers solutions for these winter problems.
Protecting the Intake System During Winter
Manufacturers design intake systems to deflect most of the debris. Heavy lake effect storms often overcome these simple plastic shields. High winds force the snow into every small opening. You can install a pre-filter to catch the largest flakes. This extra layer keeps the main filter dry and clean. The technician at Skiles Automotive can inspect the intake seals. Small gaps allow more snow to enter the filter box. Keeping the seals tight ensures better protection for the motor.
The Conclusion for Winter Drivers
Lake effect snow presents a serious challenge for every driver. The fine powder penetrates deep into the engine air system. Restrictive filters cause poor performance and high fuel costs. You must monitor the condition of the air intake regularly. Simple inspections prevent many common winter mechanical failures. The safety of your vehicle depends on consistent and careful service. Trusting a professional helps you stay ahead of the weather. Now you can drive confidently through the heaviest winter storms.
