Your car, truck, or SUV is likely one of the most expensive items you own. Routine maintenance is important in prolonging the life of your vehicle. And protecting your investment. Air filters are common maintenance items that are often overlooked. However, they are necessary in order to keep your vehicle performing at its best. Do you know the four main filters to change in your car? Learn more about these filters and why they are essential to the long-term health of your vehicle.
All vehicles have four, main filters that should be replaced regularly. The air filter, cabin filter, oil filter, and fuel filter catch impurities and contaminants within the systems they are located. When one or more of these filters becomes clogged, it can cause issues with your vehicle and affect its performance.
What Is An Oil Filter?
Oil filters trap contaminants such as dirt, metallic particles, and oxidized oil that can become suspended in the motor oil. And keep it away from the rest of the engine. The oil filter helps to purify the oil so the engine can continue to work at its best. A clogged oil filter will allow impurities to pass through and can cause the oil to not reach critical areas of the engine. Over time, this can lead to poor performance, premature engine wear, or even engine failure.
How Often Should I Replace My Oil Filter?
Oil filters should be replaced with every oil change or about every 3,000 – 5,000 miles.
What Is A Fuel Filter?
The fuel filter helps to protect your fuel injectors by removing rust particles, dust, and other impurities. Any foreign matter in the fuel system could possibly enter the combustion chamber in the engine. This can cause serious issues with your engine performance and efficiency. Your engine may have difficulty drawing fuel if the fuel filter becomes clogged. The fuel pump will also work harder and you may have issues starting your car, experience poor acceleration, or even stalling.
How Often Should I Replace My Fuel Filter?
Fuel filters are replaced at the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, many modern vehicles no longer have fuel filters. Some are built into the fuel pump assemblies.
What Is An Air Filter?
Clean air is essential for the combustion process in a vehicle. The engine air filter prevents dust, debris, and insects from reaching the engine. Very much like how our nostrils filter our impurities in the air before it reaches our lungs. This filter also ensures a proper mixture of air and fuel to support performance. Dirty air and a full air filter can also increase pollution and decrease fuel efficiency.
How often should I change my air filter?
Some manufacturers recommend replacing your air filter every 20,000 miles. This is also depended on your driving conditions and location.
What Is A Cabin Filter?
The cabin air filter captures dust, dirt, and much more! The cabin air filter prevents bacteria, pollen, and pollutants from entering the cabin of the vehicle. You may notice unpleasant odors if you don’t change your cabin filter regularly. A clogged cabin air filter may also cause visibility issues by blocking the airflow coming into your car. This can hinder your window defroster from de-fogging your windows in a timely manner.
How often should I change my cabin filter?
It is recommended to change the cabin air filter annually or every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. The filter should be changed more frequently if you do a lot of driving or if the environment is dusty.
Preventative care is vital for the long-term health of your vehicle. Regular filter replacements aren’t that expensive and can save you money in the long run.
When was the last time you changed your filters? Lou’s Car Care can help! Call us and one of our experienced Service Advisors can answer any questions you may have. You can also schedule your next appointment online. Serving the Baldwinsville, NY, and surrounding communities since 1976.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Let's Connect! Click on the links below to stay in touch with the Lou's Car Care Community:
