No matter what kind of car you drive, it’s controlled by an elaborate system of parts. While you probably know what many of these are, it’s important not to forget the simple ones that provide essential services to the whole system. Case in point: your filters! You might not think about them very often, but these all-important components play a huge role in the health, safety, and operation of your vehicle. For this reason, it is vital to get them replaced regularly. Regular filter replacements are a basic maintenance task that makes a huge difference in how your car runs. Read on to learn more about our expert filter replacements below!
What Kind Of Filters Are In Your Car?
Every car has four main types of filters. This is true of pretty much every model, whether you drive a domestic family car or a high-quality foreign vehicle. Each of these plays a different but essential role.
Air Filter
One of the main types of filters in your car is the air filter. This helps keep air flowing through the interior of the vehicle as well as directing air through internal parts of the car. In particular, it helps protect the engine by catching dust and debris that could harm its operation. In addition to these essential tasks, these filters also play a role in conserving fuel and reducing your vehicle’s impact on the environment.
How Often Should You Change Your Air Filter?
The official recommendation is to change your air filter roughly every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. However, this can depend significantly on where you live and where you drive. For example, if you live in the Southwest, where roads tend to be extremely dusty or sandy, you might need to get your air filters changed more often.
Cabin Filter
An air filter helps clean the air that goes into your engine. Meanwhile, the cabin filter cleans the air that enters the interior of your car.
Cabin filters also help keep the air inside your car clean and safe to breathe. Driving can be dirty work, and these filters catch contaminants like dust, mold, sand, and other debris before they enter the cabin of your car.
How Often Should You Get Your Cabin Filters Replaced?
Just as with air filters, cabin filters should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Keeping them clean ensures that the air in your car is save to breathe and that the climate control works properly.
You should also get your cabin filters checked if you notice an ongoing moldy or mildewy odor in your car. This could be a sign that they’re not directing air properly, allowing moisture and debris to accumulate inside. It’s not just unpleasant — it can also pose a health risk, especially if you have a respiratory condition.
Oil Filter
The oil filter helps remove any debris from the oil used to lubricate the internal parts of your car. Over time, this debris can cause clogs and other damage, quickening the wear and tear on the engine and other components. An oil filter ensures that the oil that helps your car run is clean and effective.
How Often Should You Change Your Oil Filter?
The rule for how often to change your oil filter isn’t quite as straightforward as many others. The rule of thumb is to get it changed every other time you change your oil. For most people, that translates to about once a year — though it will depend on what type of car you have and how much you drive.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter helps clean — you guessed it — your fuel! By doing this, it keeps the internal parts of your car safe from damage and helps them work as they should. In particular, it protects your fuel injectors and your engine as it draws fuel.
How Often Should You Get Your Fuel Filter Changed?
Though it depends to some degree on your car make and model, you usually need to change your fuel filter every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. This helps optimize your car’s performance, save fuel, and reduce problems with starting and acceleration.
Make Your Appointment For Filter Replacements in Spring City, PA, Today!
Your filters might not be at the top of your mind, but they’re an essential part of your car’s performance. A qualified mechanic can help you recognize when it’s time for a replacement. At Glenn’s European Auto Repair, we’ve been providing these essential services for many years. We’ll be happy to replace any filters in your vehicle to ensure it runs well for many years to come.