10 Aug Auto Air Filters: Is It Time To Replace Them?
Your vehicle has a couple of different auto air filters that operate various systems. Combustion engine vehicles require vast amounts of clean air to run correctly. A clean engine air filter is key to keeping a clean engine. Contaminants like dirt, pollen, and other foreign particles can cause immense damage if they get inside your engine components. A clogged engine air filter can also affect your vehicle’s performance. You may see increased gas usage and higher emissions due to combustion malfunctions with the air/fuel mixture. So, the engine air filter is a really important component to service. The cabin air filter maintains the air quality inside the vehicle. Checking your auto air filters (engine air filter and cabin air filter) should be part of your routine auto maintenance.
Where Is My Engine Air Filter?
On most cars and trucks, the engine air filter is under the hood, inside a rectangular or circular air collector box. Open the box to find the filter inside. Remove the filter and look through it. If you can see light through it, it may still be good. Replace obviously dirty and clogged filters.
Benefits Of A Clean Engine Air Filter
The benefits of changing out a dirty engine air filter are numerous. Air filters are relatively inexpensive items that you can easily change yourself. Your owner’s manual contains the specific size and type of engine air filter you need for your car. The manual will also have the suggested mileage marker for a filter change, usually between 12,000 and 30,000 miles. However, when driving in dusty conditions or with high seasonal pollen in your area, you may need to replace your filter more often.
Other benefits can include:
- A clean engine runs more smoothly
- Peak performance from all systems
- Increased fuel efficiency due to proper air/fuel mixture
- Reduced emissions are better for the environment
Where Is My Cabin Air Filter?
Locate the cabin filter (or air conditioner filter) in the dashboard right up against the cowl or under the hood on the vehicle’s passenger side. Primarily, it filters the air coming into the vehicle’s cab through the vents when the air conditioning/heater is on. A cabin air filter removes dust, pollen, bacteria, and other particles in the ventilation system. Most auto manufacturers recommend replacing the filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, you can replace the cabin filter anytime if you smell a musty odor or your allergies act up when you run the HVAC system.
Benefits Of A Clean Cabin Air Filter
- Fewer allergens inside the car
- Clean & fresh smelling air
- Increased airflow from the vents
- Colder air from the air conditioning system
Routine Auto Maintenance
Scheduling routine auto maintenance is important for your car’s safety, performance, and longevity. When a certified technician performs routine maintenance on your automobile, checking the engine air filter & cabin air filter is part of the service. If you notice any signs that it may be time to replace the auto air filters before your next scheduled maintenance, examine them yourself or schedule a specific service to get them checked and replaced.
When Did You Last Replace Your Auto Air Filters?
If you didn’t get the auto air filters changed with your last oil change, your car is probably ready for new filters now. With the weather warming up, you will drive more and use the air conditioner more, so it’s an excellent time to schedule your next service.
Schedule Auto Air Filters Service
Ron’s Garage will happily replace your vehicle’s air filters today! Visit us online or call (734) 961-4701 to make a service appointment.
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