Why Changing Your Engine Auto Air Filter Is So Important

Combustion engine vehicles require huge amounts of clean air to run properly. The engine air filter is a really important component to maintain. The owner’s manual for your specific vehicle will have the suggested mileage marker for a filter change, which is usually somewhere between 12,000 and 30,000 miles. A clean filter is key to keeping your engine clean. Contaminants like dirt, pollen, and other foreign particles can cause immense amounts of damage if they get inside your engine.

A clogged air filter can affect the peak performance of your vehicle as well.

You may see an increase in both gas usage and emissions due to combustion malfunctions with the air/fuel mixture. Checking your engine air filter should be part of your routine auto maintenance.

On most cars and trucks, the engine air filter is located under the hood, inside a rectangular or circular air collector box. Open the box (it may be held shut with a wing nut or clips), and the filter will be located inside. If you remove the filter and can still see light through it, then it may still be good. If it is visibly coated with dirt and other debris, then you should replace it.

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 owners manual can tell you the specific size and type of engine air filter you need for your car, and how often it should be done. However, if you drive in dusty conditions, or have a lot of seasonal pollen in your area, you may need to change out your filter more often. Other benefits can include:

A Cabin Filter (or Air Conditioner Filter) is usually located in the dashboard, or right up against the cowl, under the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle. Its main purpose is to filter the air coming into the cab of the vehicle through the vents, or when the air conditioning/heater is on.

This filter is responsible for filtering out dust, pollen, bacteria and other particles in the ventilation system. It should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, if you smell a musty odor, or if your allergies act up when you run the A/C, then the cabin filter probably needs replacing.

Scheduling routine auto maintenance is important for the safety, performance and longevity of your car. When you have a certified technician perform routine maintenance on your car, checking the engine and cabin air filters is part of the service. This should keep those filters performing as they should.

If you notice any of the signs that it may be time to replace those filters before your next scheduled maintenance, simply examine them yourself, or schedule a specific service to get them checked and replaced.

I f you didn’t get the filters changed with your last oil change, there is a good chance that your car is ready for new filters now. With the weather warming up you will be in your car more and using the air conditioner a lot more. It’s probably a good time to schedule your next service. 

Call Taylor Co Castrol Express Oil Service at (909) 316-6161 or visit us online to make an appointment. You can count on us for a full vehicle-health check-up and a quick oil & filter change that’s done right!