Car air filters are similar to home air filters. They are essential to preventing contaminants from entering your engine and your car’s cabin.
Without filters, your car would struggle to run smoothly and be a place you dread. When left unchecked, car filters can lead to expensive repairs, cause awful smells to stick around, and more.
In this blog, we will discuss the different types of auto air filters, explain their purpose, explain why you need to change them and cover how often you should replace them.
Different Types of Automotive Filters
Here are the three most common filters you’ll find in a car:
- Engine Air Filter: Prevents debris, dirt, and contaminants from getting in your engine.
- Cabin filter: Catches dust, pollen, dirt, and other air pollutants before entering your car’s cabin through air intake.
- Fuel filter: Protects your fuel lines from clogging by catching dirt, debris, and other contaminants.
How Many Air Filters Does My Car Have?
Most cars typically have two types of air filters – an engine air filter and a cabin air filter.
Engine air filters are essential because they protect your engine from bugs, dirt, and dust. Regularly maintaining your car’s engine air filter will keep it running better and longer. To learn more about the different types of engine air filters, check out our blog, Help Your Car’s Engine Breathe Easier: Change Your Air Filter.
Cabin air filters keep the air within your car clean, helping prevent unpleasant smells, smoke, or even pollen from seeping into your vehicle. Next time you turn on your AC or heat, think about how your cabin air filter protects you from everything in the air outside.
Air filters are essential in helping you maintain your vehicle. Just like regularly filling up with gas, changing your oil, and having a service performed occasionally, changing your car’s filters helps ensure your investment will go the distance.
How Often Should You Change Cabin Air Filter?
Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends replacing car filters every 12 months or 12,000 miles. A cabin air filter can last up to 30,000 miles, but several factors can impact its life. You’ll want to consider your vehicle type, the air quality in your area, and the filter quality. If you drive in a densely polluted or dusty area, you’ll want to change your filters more frequently.
Another indicator that you need to change the cabin air filter is if you notice a strong smell coming from your car when you turn your AC or heat on.
When Should I Change My Engine Air Filter?
Changing your engine air filter once a year will ensure high performance. But just like with cabin air filters, you should think about what kind of car you drive, driving conditions, and filter quality. Consider this: the occasional engine filter and cabin air filter replacement cost can prevent a much higher engine repair or replacement cost.
Your car’s owner manual should be able to provide you with more specific information about your car’s filters and when to change them.
If you can’t remember the last time your engine air filter and cabin air filter were changed, it’s probably time that you prioritize those tasks.
What Happens if I Don’t Change My Car’s Air Filter?
Prolonging regular car maintenance might not seem like a big deal, but the longer you wait, the more costly it can become.
A car engine requires air to perform its primary function—fuel combustion. A clogged engine air filter can reduce fuel efficiency, cause poor performance, or damage the engine.
Reduced fuel efficiency means you’ll have to use gas more often.
If your car struggles to accelerate or the engine seems to have to work harder, it could mean your engine filter is clogged.
Ultimately, neglecting to change your engine air filter can lead to costly engine repair or replacement.
What are the Consequences of Not Changing Your Cabin Air Filter?
Putting off changing your cabin air filter can cause many problems for your vehicle and you.
A cabin air filter is the first line of defense for the air coming into the car. When it’s clogged, it hinders airflow, which can put extra strain on your air conditioner or heater. This can ultimately lead to your car’s AC or heat not working and must be repaired.
You may also notice an impact on the air quality inside your car. Your car might start feeling stuffy, or you may notice a musty smell each time you turn your AC on. This will impact the comfort of your vehicle and may cause respiratory issues for you or your passengers.
Changing your cabin air filter regularly will increase the longevity of your car’s essential components and positively impact the car’s environment and your health.
How to Change a Car Filter
Changing your car filters can be a job you want to leave to the professionals, but if you’re up for the challenge and want to do it yourself, we can help!
How to Change Cabin Air Filter
Your owner’s manual should provide instructions for how to replace your cabin air filter. However, most cabin air filters are hidden behind the glove box. Once you’ve located the old filter, remove it and replace it with the new one.
It’s that simple! Here’s a short video to show you how:
Are you looking for a cabin air filter replacement? We carry a variety of car filters, so we’re sure you’ll find one that fits your car. We’re here to help make it easy to find your car’s air filters online
Search your car’s make and model to find the filter you need.
Related Blogs:
- Change Your Car’s Cabin Filter
- Mildew, Musty Smell Coming From Your Car AC? Change Your Cabin Air Filter!
- Help Your Car’s Engine Breathe Easier: Change Your Air Filter
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