Did you know that there are actually two different air filters in your car, truck, or SUV? Since some people don't always realize this, they'll sometimes only change one air filter on a regular basis. But you'll need to get into the habit of changing both your engine air filter and cabin air filter to ensure that they function properly. In this article, we'll explain when each air filter in your vehicle will need to be replaced. Find out more below.
When Should You Replace Your Car's Engine Air Filter?
Both your vehicle's air filters play an essential role in its overall well-being. However, the engine air filter is the more important of the two. It's responsible for providing your engine with clean air that is then mixed with the fuel to help it burn more efficiently.
Over time, your car's engine air filter will begin to get clogged up with debris and stop working as effectively as it once did. Therefore, it is recommended that you replace it about every 12,000 miles or approximately every 12 months. You may also want to consider changing your engine air filter more routinely if you regularly drive in dusty conditions since it can get dirtier than usual when this is the case.
Signs You Should Replace Your Car's Engine Air Filter
Even though you should be able to make it a full year with the engine air filter in your car, there may be signs that will suggest you should replace it sooner. You should always be on the lookout for these signs and consider replacing the engine air filter ahead of schedule if necessary. Check out a few of the signs that'll indicate it's probably time to part ways with an engine air filter:
It Appears To Be Dirty
If you feel comfortable enough doing it, you can pop the hood of your vehicle and find your engine air filter. You can sneak a quick peek at it every now and then to determine if it's still in good shape. If it looks unusually dirty, it may need to be replaced. It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your engine air filter.
It's Impacting Your Car's Fuel Efficiency
Does it feel like you're filling your car, truck, or SUV up with gas more often than you used to? This may be another sign that your engine air filter needs to be replaced. When an engine air filter gets too dirty, it can't deliver as much air to your engine as it normally does. It can considerably reduce your car's fuel efficiency and force you to pay substantially more at the pump each month.
Your Check Engine Light Turns On
The check engine light in your vehicle can turn on for any number of reasons. You shouldn't automatically assume that it's because of a dirty engine air filter. But if your check engine light turns on and you've also noticed that your vehicle doesn't always have as much power as it does under normal circumstances, you might want to consider having it replaced. It may very well be the reason for your check engine light coming on.
When Should You Replace Your Car's Cabin Air Filter?
Although you could argue that your car's engine air filter is more important than its cabin air filter, it doesn't mean you should neglect to replace your cabin air filter at regular intervals. In fact, you should try to change both your engine air filter and your cabin air filter at the same time if possible. Most cabin air filters are only going to last for about a year before they'll need to be replaced.
Signs You Should Replace Your Car's Cabin Air Filter
Just like your car's engine air filter can get dirty over the course of a year, its cabin air filter can slowly get filled up with things such as dust, pollen, and even insects. When this happens, it can have a huge impact on the quality of the air inside your car. This is why you should look out for any signs that may suggest you need to replace your car's cabin air filter. Take a look at a few of these signs, and don't ignore them if you spot them:
It's Affecting the Smell Inside Your Car
Has the interior of your car started to smell funny in recent days? Unless you can pinpoint the source of this smell elsewhere in your car, your cabin air filter may be to blame. It may not be filtering the air entering your car well enough, allowing bad smells to linger.
Debris Enters Your Car
If your car's cabin air filter has too much debris stuck in it, some of it could eventually work its way right through the filter and into the interior of your vehicle. This can make it difficult to breathe and even see while you're inside your car. The only way to remedy the situation will be by replacing your cabin air filter.
Your Car's Heating and Cooling Systems Are Placed Under Strain
Is your car's heating and cooling system struggling to keep up with your demands? Although the system itself is probably working just fine, your car's cabin air filter may be the problem. Replacing this air filter can limit the strain exerted on your vehicle's heating and cooling system and keep the interior more comfortable going forward.
Does Your Car Need a New Air Filter? Our Service Center Can Help
Do you suspect that your car, truck, or SUV may need a new engine air filter? Or have you noticed that your vehicle can benefit from a new cabin air filter? Either way, the service center at Ciocca Honda of Hanover can help you out. Our certified technicians can inspect your vehicle's air filters to determine if they need to be replaced. Contact us now to schedule an appointment to have new air filters installed in your vehicle.
Air Filter Change by Ryan Gsell is licensed with CC BY 2.0
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