Car filters are a must if you want your beloved car to run like a Champion. When one of your filters gets clogged, it can cause problems and affect performance. You may notice a loss of power, dirty smoke, oil light, or even engine failure. In this article, we’ll look at the different filters in your car and why you need to consider car filter replacing regularly.
Get to know the filters in your car
Every car has four main filters: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter. The function of all these filters is to enable flows and catch impurities: the dust and contaminants in the air, the impurities in the fuel, or the dirt in the motor oil. If your car filters are not replaced in time, they won’t work properly and in the end, it could cause an impact on the mechanics. By replacing your filters, your car will be more efficient. Let’s take a closer look:
A. What is a cabin filter?
The cabin filter cleans the air that comes into the interior of your car through the heating and air conditioning. It filters out dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. If you’ve got a carbon-activated cabin filter it also captures exhaust gasses and odors. Having clean air in your car is particularly important if you have any allergies or respiratory problems.
Reasons to change your cabin filter on time:
- To breathe fresher air
The cabin filter allows you to breathe clean air, by filtering bacteria, pollen, and polluting substances. If you don’t change your cabin filter regularly, you may notice unpleasant odors and could have allergic reactions (sneezing, coughing, etc.) - To avoid safety and visibility issues
When a cabin filter is clogged, it may partially block the airflow coming into your car. This can be problematic, especially when you need to defog the windows. - To increase the life of your car’s A/C heating system
Having a clean cabin filter will maximize airflow and extend the life of your car’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system.
B. What is an air filter?
Just as humans need oxygen to breathe, a car needs oxygen for the combustion process. The air filter prevents any insects, dust, particles, sand, or debris from reaching the engine and ensures a good mixture of air and fuel to support performance. Car air filters come in different shapes:
panels, circular or cylindrical. They are made of a pleated material that filters the air and may be made of cotton, synthetic paper, or foam.
Reasons to change your air filter:
- For a better car performance:
When the air flowing into the engine is clean, the mixture of fuel and air supports maximum power. - To save on fuel:
Decrease fuel consumption by ensuring good combustion. - To avoid black smoke:
When the air filter is clogged, the fuel combustion is incomplete and leads to dirty exhaust smoke – which is a bad sign.
C. What is an oil filter?
The oil filter maintains continuous oil flow and removes particles (dirt, oxidized oil, metallic particles) that may appear in the motor oil due to engine wear. It purifies the motor oil so that it can do its job efficiently. An oil filter has enough contaminant holding capacity to remain fully functional until the next oil change.
Reasons to change your oil filter:
- To reduce engine wear:
A failing oil filter will allow impurities to pass through and slow down the arrival of oil, which can lead to early engine wear, poor performance, or even engine failure. - To avoid soiling your new oil:
The oil filter should be generally be changed at each oil change (every 10,000 km for a petrol car and every 15,000 km for a diesel) to avoid soiling your new oil.
A. What is a fuel filter?
The fuel filter removes impurities like dust, rust, and grit contained in the fuel. By eliminating these contaminants, the fuel filter protects your fuel injectors and plays a key role in maintaining the performance and longevity of your car engine.
Reasons to change your fuel filter:
- To maintain your engine performance:
If your fuel filter gets clogged, it can reduce the flow and weaken performance as the engine has difficulties drawing fuel. With a clogged filter, the fuel pump works much harder and you may have problems starting the car or notice poor acceleration or stalling. - To keep your car parts in good condition:
Because of its abrasive action, dirt and contaminants in the fuel can speed up wear and tear, damage expensive parts, and even cause the fuel pump and injector to fail.
While car filters aren’t top-of-mind, they are vital for the smooth-running and general wellbeing of your vehicle. To keep your car working effectively, keep an eye on the various types of car filters and carry out car filter replacement so they can flow freely. If you are unsure, look at the owner’s manual or speak to a qualified mechanic about the best options
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