Common Automotive Filters and When They Need Changing
Belts, hoses, fluids, filters; there’s a lot going on underneath the hood of your automobile. When it comes to preventative maintenance, don’t forget your car, truck, or utility vehicle’s filters. These need to be changed regularly just as your automotive fluids need to be changed regularly. Total Auto Care can change your filters for you. We are going to list the four common automotive filters below and when, in general terms, they need changing. Consult your owner’s manual for the specific changing schedule for your automobile.
Air
The engine air filter is crucial because it prevents dirt from making its way into the combustion chamber. This filter needs to be changed annually or every 12,000 miles if you drive that distance first. Without clean air in the combustion chamber, you not only run the risk of engine performance issues but also damage to your pistons and cylinders. This is why it’s important to make sure that you always have a clean air filter in the engine.
Cabin
Some vehicles are also equipped with a cabin air filter that is designed to purify the air before it is blown into the passenger cabin. This helps prevent driver fatigue and your automobile from making you sick. The cabin air filter generally needs to be changed every 30,000 miles, although some manufacturers recommend that you change it earlier than that. Check your owner’s manual to see if you have a cabin air filter and, if so, when it needs to be changed.
Fuel
The fuel filter purifies the gasoline or diesel fuel before it is sprayed into the combustion chamber. As with clean air, it is also important that you have clean fuel in the combustion chamber to avoid a buildup of grime that can damage the pistons and cylinders. The fuel filter needs to be changed every 30,000 miles. If you don’t put that much mileage on your automobile within two years, have the fuel filter changed every two years. Remember, clean fuel and air protect your vehicle’s combustion chamber.
Oil
Finally, this is one filter that you don’t need to worry about because it is changed automatically when you have your oil changed. The oil filter keeps the oil clean so that when it circulates through the engine it can properly lubricate the moving parts and reduce wear and tear.As we said above, Total Auto Care in North Branch, MN, would be happy to change your automotive filters when they need it. If it’s been a while since you’ve had your filters changed, call us to schedule an appointment.