As the filters in your car become used and age it could cause some issues with the internal components of your vehicle. The filter’s main job is to block contaminants from entering the cabin and engine, so you are breathing fresh in your vehicle for every drive. Some issues you may notice when any of your filters are old and filled with contaminants are a reduction in fuel efficiency, issues with A/C and heating systems, and a decrease in overall engine performance. Luckily, replacing vehicle filters is a quick process!

Oil Filter

Your vehicle’s oil filter collects harmful debris and metal from reaching your engine’s oil to keep everything running smoothly. The outside of the filter is metal with a gasket seal to stay firmly attached to the engine. The inside of the can is generally made of synthetic fiber, which the engine’s oil passes directly through to be appropriately filtered. The oil filter in your car should be changed anytime you take your vehicle in for an oil change. If it is not regularly changed with the oil, the filter will become clogged and less oil will be able to move through the engine. This is not ideal, considering oil is the most important fluid in a vehicle outside of fuel. If the oil is not filtered properly for some time, it will become saturated and wear out the surfaces of your engine. 

Engine Air Filter

Similar to the oil filter, the air filter keeps harmful contaminants from entering and harming your vehicle’s engine. Small particles and dust can cause significant damage and result in poor performance from your engine. Clogged air filters can contribute to reduced engine power and weaker accelerations, while also increasing the amount of engine wear. Air filters should be replaced about every 15,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual because it may depend on your vehicle. Air filters are simple and quick to install, so make sure your vehicle’s engine is breathing fresh oil! 

Cabin Air Filter

An air cabin filter is an important component of any vehicle’s heating and cooling system while protecting the riders from any harmful contaminants in the air. The filter prevents particles like dust, dirt, mold, smoke, and pollen from entering the vehicle through your A/C and heating vents. It is best to consult your owner’s manual to determine how long the filter replacement intervals should be. If you notice that your HVAC systems are not blowing properly, or there is an unpleasant smell, it may be a sign it’s time to replace your cabin air filters. Some manufacturers recommend replacing these filters every 15,000 miles, and some even say they can reach 25,0000-30,000. So review your owner’s manual to see what is recommended for you!

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter plays a critical role in protecting your vehicle’s engine from dirt and rust particles in the fuel to help keep your engine running smoothly. Fuel generally gets easily contaminated with debris while being transferred to different locations and sitting in storage tanks at gas stations. Unfiltered fuel may have contaminants like paint chips and dirt, which if not removed, will cause failure to your vehicle’s fuel injectors and pump. With a new fuel filter, you may notice a boost in overall performance because with fewer contaminants the engine can burn fuel more efficiently. If the fuel filter is not replaced regularly, the engine performance will drop significantly because it will be more strenuous for the engine to draw enough fuel to run the way it is intended to.

For the best performance from any of your vehicle’s filters, reference your owner’s manual or contact your manufacturer to determine your factory-recommended maintenance replacement interval. Boost your fuel efficiency, improve engine performance, and breathe only fresh air by regularly replacing your vehicle’s filters!

Stop by your local fast and friendly Oil Changers for a vehicle maintenance check to have one of our professional technicians check your filters!