Air filter restriction indicator

[ks03]

I always figure that a device like that is there for a reason and I try to use it but I also look at the filter to be sure it is needed.

when I was working at a dealership I’d see the indicators moved on duramaxs when they were due, but only a few gassers ever, but I think they’re usually replaced before they’re bad enough to impact performance or move the indicator. Kept off a gravel road, a lot don’t look that bad at 100k. Of the gas engine ones with the indicator moved, one had the filter wet and apparently it dries into a brick, looked pretty good until you touched it, another was a new no name cheap filter, apparently just junk out of the box. Seemed like the gas engine ones could be very heavily covered without budging the indicator.

 

[new2yukon]

My indicator mjst be broken. Never moves from "bad" even after a new filter, which I install every 12000 miles.

Had oil analysis done on my car before and after air filter replaced. Huge diff. The old one didnt look bad but the lab found issues that they said was prob dirty air filter. Next sample returned to normal spec.

We can't assume a filter looking good is good, and that makes me wonder any value in the indicators. My car filter didnt look bad. But it was.