Air filters are used in all modern cars nowadays. They are a must if you want your car to operate smoothly. However, when any of these filters is clogged, it can cause problems and affect performance. Some of the common signs of this include loss of power, dirty smoke, oil light or in some cases, engine failure.
There are two air filters found in every vehicle: one for the cabin and another one for the engine. As you probably know, the cabin air filter is the one that needs to be changed periodically, same as the engine air filter. They are both essential for a clean engine and a vehicle that runs more efficiently.
The difference between a clean and a dirty cabin air filter.
What Do The Engine And Cabin Air Filters Do?
Every car uses an intake system through which it draws air into the engine for the internal combustion process. The engine air filter sits at front and is centered towards the intake of air into the engine. When it is unobstructed and well-maintained, you can ensure that only clean air goes through to the inside of your engine.
While the engine air filter ensures constant air flow into the engine, the cabin air filter mimics its construction but performs a very different job. It sits at the mouth of the heater box, treating the air that is coming into the cabin. The cabin air filter draws out dust, pollen, soot, and many common allergens, ensuring that the air entering the cabin is fresh and clean.
As we said above, replacing both filters on a regular schedule is essential for optimal performance. Without a clean engine filter, your vehicle’s engine could suffer major damage or decrease in its efficiency. Similarly, a dirty cabin air filter will decrease efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, as well as allow allergens to infiltrate your airspace.
The air filter is an important element of your vehicle’s engine.
How Do You Know That Your Air Filters Need A Change?
Some of the usual signs that you need to change your engine air filter include the following:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Unusual engine sounds
- “Check Engine Light” coming on
- Air filters appearing dirty
- Reduced horsepower
- Misfiring engine
- Smell of gasoline when starting your vehicle
- Black smoke or flames exiting the exhaust
Similarly, your cabin’s air filter needs a change if you spot any of these:
- Unpleasant (sometimes musty) smells
- Visible debris entering your cabin
- Reduced circulation of air in your passenger compartment
- Reduced heating and air conditioning performance
- Strange whistling sound in your cabin intake (ducting)
If you spot any of these signs, it is most likely that your air filters need a change. However, you should not wait for any of these signs to show, but instead replace your cabin air filter annually or on every 15,000 kilometers. Your engine’s air filter should be replaced between 20,000 and 30,000 kilometers, depending on driving conditions.
The Benefits Of Having Your Air Filters Regularly Replaced
Even though air filters don’t seem important to regularly check or change, they are essential in maintaining your car’s performance. Both the engine and cabin air filters act as shields to prevent small particles from entering the engine and causing potentially expensive damage. However, that is not the only benefit.
- Some of the most important benefits of having your air filters regularly replaced are:
- Increased fuel economy
- Reduced emissions
- Better engine life
To sum things up, replacing both of your air filters is easy, quick, and affordable. There are a wide range of air filters available on the market, and getting the right one for your car’s make and model can help you make most of your vehicle.
In any case, continuing to put off any of these symptoms regarding your vehicle’s air filters is certainly not recommended.
At Stop & Go, we specialize in car air filter replacement in the UAE. Our technicians are here to check your car’s air filters, examine your engine, and ensure that everything is working as it should be. For more information on our car air filter replacement services in UAE, visit this link or call us at 04-228-8136 to schedule your filter replacement.