20 Oct Change Auto Air Filters: The Best Fall Auto Maintenance Tip
Sometimes, routine auto maintenance can get overlooked in our busy lifestyles. I find it easier to stay on track if I make a schedule, checking my tire pressure every time I fill my gas tank. I check my oil levels once a month. And, my #1 auto maintenance tip is to replace your car’s air filters every fall (usually when the leaves change colors in Montgomery County, PA). After some trial and error, I find this process works for me, and maybe you will find it helpful, too.
Auto Maintenance Tip: Change Air Filters Every Fall
After the busy summer is over, I have a little bit of time to catch up on things before the holidays begin. Auto maintenance should happen all year, but a few tasks seem to do well during the fall season. Depending on where you live, autumn is a great time to inspect your tires, battery charge, and fluid levels before the chilly temperatures turn into freezing ones. And I always take time to inspect and replace my car’s dirty air filters. Keep reading to discover why clean air filters are so important for your vehicle.
Types Of Automotive Filters:
Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter purifies air entering the cabin through the ventilation, heating & cooling systems. The filter catches small particulate matter like pollen, dust, mold spores, and other pollutants. I even find leaves and bugs in my filter. Many cabin filters have an activated carbon (or charcoal) layer for additional odor reduction. Suppose your interior smells dusty or musty, or you’ve noticed reduced airflow from the vents. In that case, it is time to replace your cabin air filter. You can typically find it behind the glovebox, under the dashboard, or in the engine compartment. Read your owner’s manual for the exact location of the cabin air filter in your automobile.
Hybrid & EVs: Battery Cooling Filter
Some hybrids and all-electric vehicles have a separate cabin air filter for the battery cooling system. You can often find them in the rear of the passenger compartment. Many motorists may not realize that their vehicles come equipped with this filter or that it requires routine maintenance and replacement. Read your owner’s manual for the factory-recommended service intervals for your hybrid or EV.
Engine Air Filters
The engine air filter removes contaminants from the incoming air flowing to the internal combustion engine. Less contaminants in the incoming air means less wear on your engine. It also allows your vehicle to operate in less-than-optimal environmental conditions (like sandy deserts, agricultural or industrial settings, and high air pollution areas with lots of traffic or smog). Engine air filters can get really dirty, requiring routine auto maintenance.
Engine air filters are available in different types:
- Paper Filters: This type is the most commonly used air filter in vehicles today. They are popular because they are inexpensive and easily obtainable. Auto manufacturers generally install them on small autos in climates with limited pollution, pollen, or dust. Paper filters are disposable (they cannot be cleaned and reused), so sticking to the factory-recommended maintenance schedule is essential.
- Gauze Filters: These filter types are long-lasting, and you can clean them for reuse. For better efficiency, keep them well-oiled and free of debris. There are two types of gauze filters:
- Oiled Gauze is very popular and requires maintenance every 5000 miles.
- Synthetic Dry requires periodic cleaning with a special cleaning solution.
- Foam Filters: Some manufacturers add foam inserts to the more traditional paper air filters. The foam layer creates an additional filtration layer to catch dirt and debris, protecting your combustion engine.
Benefits Of Clean Auto Air Filters
Now that you know how the different air filters in your auto work, let’s look more deeply at the benefits a clean filter provides.
Cabin Air Filters
A clogged cabin air filter can limit and even block airflow through the heating and A/C vents. For example, a dirty air filter may prevent defogging your windshield quickly and force the blower motor to work harder to move air through the system. Now, let’s review the benefits of a clean cabin air filter:
- Fewer allergens that trigger a runny nose, watery eyes, and even respiratory issues
- Less wear and stress on vehicle components
- Reduced chance of mold and mildew growth
- Fresher smelling interior
Factory-Suggested Maintenance Intervals
Each make & model automobile has its own specific factory-recommended maintenance schedule. Verify your maintenance interval by reading your owner’s manual. A safe rule of thumb is every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year (like during the fall when the weather turns cool).
Engine Air Filter
As you probably know, a combustion engine requires air to run correctly. A clogged or dirty engine air filter restricts airflow to the engine. Restricted airflow alters the air-to-fuel mixture needed for combustion. As a result, your vehicle can experience performance issues like misfires, running too rich, and turbocharger problems. If a dirty air filter is not changed, it can even trigger your vehicle’s check engine light. The good news is that changing the engine filter is relatively quick and easy to do. And the benefits of a clean engine air filter are too good to ignore:
- Increased fuel efficiency
- Less wear on engine components
- Better engine performance
- There is less chance of dashboard warning lights
Factory-Suggested Maintenance Intervals
Engine air filters have various maintenance schedules depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Always follow the suggested time frames noted in your owner’s manual – usually between 15,000 and 30,000 miles. If your vehicle needs more or less frequent filter changes due to your driving style or environment, discuss your needs with your auto service technician.
Air Filter Service in Montgomery County, PA
Whether you need a simple air filter replacement or a full-blown diagnostic service to track down a mysterious issue, Plymouth Auto & Tire Center has you covered. We have over 40 years of ASE-certified experience on our technical staff.
Schedule Your Air Filters Auto Maintenance
Call us at (610) 825-6558 or visit our website to schedule your air filter auto maintenance today! Plymouth Auto & Tire Center works on all vehicle makes and models but is recognized for its superior service by NAPA, AAA, and the local BBB on light-duty Honda, Toyota, and Ford trucks.
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