Should I Just Clean Or Replace My Porsche Filters?

Your Porsche mechanic must’ve mentioned that it’s important for you to change your Porsche’s filters regularly so as to maintain engine the engine’s performance.  While this is true, it is worth noting that eventually, all filters fail. You then have no choice but to replace them. This does not in any way mean that you should replace your filters straight away the moment you suspect they have accumulated some debris. There are instances when it makes more sense to simply clean them. This saves both time and money. Read on to learn more.

The Basics

First off, have a mechanic do the cleaning or the replacement.  Both cleaning and replacement may seem like simple Do It Yourself tasks but they aren’t. They call for skill and expertise as well as precision.

Then there is the fact that there are different types of Porsche filters. There is for instance, the intake air filter which is designed to filter the air by getting rid of dirt and debris as air enters the engine before combustion begins. In many Porsche models, the intake air filter is located in the cold air intake box which is usually on one side of the engine compartment. It can also be found on the air cleaner located at on top of the carburetor. This mostly applies to old Porsche models.

There is also the cabin air filter which is designed to filter out smog, dust and pollen.  The concept behind it is not so different from the one behind the intake air filter. The only major difference boils down to the fact that intake air filters feature different filtering materials which include foam, cotton and paper.

The Fuel Filter

As the name suggests, it cleans fuel. It ensures that the fuel used during combustion is pure. It filters impurities that may have been picked during storage or when fuel was transported from the fuel deport to the gas station. It also filters debris and dirt that is sometimes found in gas tanks.

Replacement Vs Cleaning

Replacement wins. This is not always the case as already explained.  It is also important to note that not all filters can be cleaned. For the most part, intake and cabin air filters can be cleaned. You can clean them with a cloth or by vacuuming. This is not the case though when it comes to oil and air filters. You have no choice but to replace them at regular intervals. Once they get clogged, replace them or you simply risk damaging the engine. Remember cleaning is only meant to prolong and extend the lifespan of the filter you’re cleaning. It should not be used or considered as a substitute to replacing old filters with new ones.

When To Change Or Clean

There are signs that can easily let you know your filters need cleaning or replacement. For the intake air filter, your Porsche will most likely show significant decrease in gas mileage. You may also notice fouled spark plugs which mean you need to replace the air filter. The Check Engine Light may also turn on.