Just like checking the oil level or rotating the tires, replacing your car air filters is an important part of vehicle maintenance. The condition of your filters contributes directly to how the rest of the engine performs. Take a few minutes to review some important information about how engine air filters work and how they can affect car performance. What an Air Filter Does The air filter is responsible for providing clean air to the engine to mix with gasoline during the combustion process. Without a filter, debris could be sucked into the engine and potentially cause damage to the system. Some vehicle owners will invest in aftermarket cold air intake systems to increase the amount of air an engine can receive