If the air filter does not work or is not replaced for a long time, what will happen to the car engine?

What happens to the engine when the air filter allows unfiltered air to enter the engine?

The air filter keeps dust and debris out of the engine. Most air filters are made from a combination of paper and synthetic fibers that trap harmful particles. Without a functional air filter, dirt and debris can sneak into the engine, which can have some costly consequences.

What happens to a car engine without an effective air filter?

Improper filter installation or improper filter installation can expose your engine to dust and debris. When the engine's air intake is not fully covered by the filter element, extensive damage can occur. Here are common examples.

The turbocharger is damaged.

Air filters are especially important for turbocharged engines. Turbochargers force pressurized air into the engine to improve performance. One side of the turbocharger, the impeller side, is connected to the engine's air intake. Without a functional air filter, dirt and debris can easily enter the turbocharger and cause serious damage. To make matters worse, metal from the failed turbocharger gets into the engine and circulates throughout the system. This can lead to complete engine failure.

Internal engine damage.

As the piston moves down in the engine, air is sucked in. This occurs during the intake stroke of the engine. Without an air filter, the engine may also inhale both dust and debris. This can damage internal engine parts such as valves, pistons, and cylinder walls. The result is excessive oil consumption, poor engine performance and ultimately engine failure.

In some cases, severely restricted filters can also allow pollutants to enter the turbocharger and engine. That's because the engine has to work harder to get enough air in. The result is a vacuum effect that sucks dust and debris into the engine.