Air and Cabin Filter
Extend Your Vehicle’s Performance
Modern vehicles have two essential air filters built into their engine and cabin designs: Engine air filter and cabin air filter. These two filters feature similar construction and materials, but they perform very different tasks. When you commit to a regular maintenance schedule to replace these filters, you're helping to maintain your vehicle's overall performance and comfort.
The two types of air filters play an important role in your vehicle’s drivability:
Engine Air Filter: A clean engine air filter helps your engine function as it should and improves fuel efficiency. Because it keeps pollutants, dust, and unwanted particles out of the engine, it also lengthens its lifespan.
Cabin Air Filter: Exhaust from vehicles driving around you is full of contaminants, which can end up in the vehicle's cabin if not caught by your air filter. A clean cabin filter can better cleanse the air in your vehicle, keeping you and your passengers breathing easy.
Engine Air Filter
Fuel, air, and spark are the components that the combustion engine converts into the energy necessary to drive all the functioning parts of today's vehicle. Dust, dirt, and other debris restrict the flow of air through to the intake and into your engine's combustion chamber. This restricted airflow can cause decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and other performance-related issues.
Your vehicle uses an intake system to draw air into the engine for the internal combustion process. To keep dust and debris out of your motor, your engine air filter sits front and center on the intake. When your air filter remains unobstructed and well-maintained, you can ensure that only clean air reaches the inside of your engine. Your auto technician will check your air filter for excessive debris and suggest a replacement as needed to keep your engine running smoothly. Without a clean engine air filter in place, your vehicle's engine could suffer damage or decreased efficiency as dirt particles impede complete combustion.
Importance of Engine Air Filters
Because the air filter plays such a vital role, it needs to be in peak operating condition. Just like the air filter in your home heating system, the air filter in your vehicle can get clogged with debris. When this happens, your engine's airflow is reduced, and you will lose power and fuel efficiency. Fortunately, this is a moderately inexpensive maintenance task.
The Basics Behind Air Filter Replacement Services
An air filter allows outside air into an engine's intake manifold, where the air mixes with fuel to power a vehicle. Air filters prevent dirt particles, bugs, and other contaminants from entering the engine and causing destruction. Unfortunately, engine air filters lose effectiveness over time and require replacements. Drivers looking to replace an air filter can choose from three common types: paper, foam, and cotton. Paper air filters are usually inexpensive, but they generally wear out faster than their counterparts. Foam filters are a popular choice for off-road vehicles because they have strong filtering capabilities. However, they also tend to clog engines if left unchecked. Cotton filters are commonly found on race cars and can also be used as aftermarket upgrades on everyday vehicles. No matter the type of air filter in your vehicle, it is essential to replace the air filter as needed. A dirty air filter can negatively affect gas mileage and make an engine run roughly.
Keep in mind:
Replacing an air filter is one of the most affordable automotive repairs
Air filters can only be replaced, not repaired
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Air Filter?
The engine is running rough
The engine may not run
Low gas mileage
Check Engine Light is on
How Important is the Engine Air Filter Service?
A dirty air filter cannot keep dirt, debris, and other pollutants from entering your engine. When your air filter is dirty, your cylinders and oil will be subject to contamination from dirt particles in the air because they have no alternate method of filtration. This contamination causes wear and tear on your engine and also reduces your gas mileage and emissions.
Cabin Air Filter
Unlike the engine air filter, the cabin air filter's primary purpose is to clean the air that passengers are breathing. This filter is designed to perform many of the same functions as household filters used for heating and air conditioning. Additionally, it filters pollen, mold spores, and other pollutants from entering the cabin of your vehicle. By cleaning the air as it passes through your heating and A/C vents, the cabin air filter allows you to enjoy a safe and healthier driving experience. It's normal for a cabin air filter to get clogged with dirt and debris.
When to Change a Cabin Air Filter
If the airflow from your heating and climate control systems isn't as strong as it used to be or you get more noise than results, you may need a new air filter.
If you notice a persistent and unpleasant odor that doesn't go away after a few minutes.
If you notice more dust inside your vehicle or particles aren't being filtered out, then a degraded air filter is likely to blame.
If you often spend time on dirt roads or drive in a city with lots of pollution or construction, you may need to change your filter more often than usual. 15,000 miles is only an estimate, so be sure to keep an eye out for the common indicators.
Why Have Air Filter Services Performed at Brandon's Body Shop & Repair
To keep your vehicle at its best, we recommend replacing your air filter whenever you get your oil changed. However, your environment should also be considered when determining the right time to have your air filter replaced. Dirt roads can cause your air filter to wear more quickly than paved roads. The next time you get an oil change or notice your air filter performing poorly, give us a visit so our team can remove your old air filter and install a new one. At Brandon's Body Shop & Repair, we understand that a dirty air filter can prevent clean air and fuel from mixing correctly. Let us help you find the right air filter so your vehicle can continue to perform well.
Set Up An Appointment Today
Air and cabin filters capture dirt, pollen, pollutants, and other contaminants from day-to-day driving to keep your vehicle running smoothly — and you breathing easily. Think it might be time to have yours inspected? Brandon’s Body Shop & Repair can help.
These filters are part of the complimentary multi-point inspection offered by our expert team. You can breathe easy knowing that Brandon's Body Shop & Repair in Wapello uses filters specifically designed and guaranteed to work with your vehicle. Contact us today to make an appointment for your vehicle.