27 Mar Types of Car Filters and Why You Need to Change Them
A car is a complex machine with many moving parts that must work together to function properly. One of the essential components of a car is its filters, which are responsible for keeping the engine and other parts clean and free from dirt and debris.
Most auto manufacturers have a specific time frame to change the car filters. It is important to change them when recommended, as contaminant build-up can eventually affect performance if they are not changed.
This post will discuss the different types of car filters and why you need to change them regularly.
Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter (usually located behind the glove box) filters pollen, dust, and other particles in the air before the heated or air-conditioned air filters into the cabin. If your cabin air filter is carbon-activated, it will also filter out odors and exhaust gasses.
You need to change this in order to keep the air in the cabin fresher. It also extends the life of your air conditioner. If the cabin air filter gets clogged, it could block airflow and interfere with the defroster.
Engine Air Filter
The engine air filter prevents sand, dust, insects, and other debris from entering the engine. This filter is usually on or near the top of the engine and could be made of foam, synthetic paper, or cotton. It is generally encased in a plastic box unless you have an aftermarket air filter, which may be out in the open.
A dirty air filter can reduce fuel efficiency and acceleration and increase emissions. Thus, changing it regularly can improve the performance of your car and reduce the risk of engine damage.
Oil Filter
The oil filter removes oxidized oil, dirt, and metal particles from the engine oil. Over time, it can become clogged with debris, reducing its effectiveness.
This filter should be changed when you do an oil change. If you don’t, you could increase engine wear. An impurity as small as a sliver of metal is enough to damage the engine, which can be costly to repair.
Fuel Filter
The fuel filter may be bolted to the vehicle’s frame or located inside the engine compartment. It filters impurities out of the fuel before the fuel reaches the injectors.
Not changing the fuel filter could significantly damage the fuel injectors—even a tiny speck of rust from the fuel tank could clog an injector. A dirty fuel filter also decreases your vehicle’s performance.
Transmission Filter
Automatic vehicles have transmission filters in the valve body. When you flush the transmission fluid, always change this filter, which picks up metal, clutch material, and other debris from the transmission fluid. If you don’t, the small veins in the valve body could become clogged, and your vehicle will not shift properly and may not shift at all.
Most manual transmissions do not have a transmission filter, so you won’t need to worry about that if you drive a stick shift.
Get Your Car Filters Changed at Heights Swedish Solutions
Changing the filters on your vehicle is an important part of preventative maintenance. The certified auto technicians at Heights Swedish Solutions can do filter replacements according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or as needed.
Contact us at (216) 371-5100 for an appointment. Our shop is conveniently located at 1815 S. Taylor Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
