Most people know they have an air filter in their engine. Most also know that it needs to be replaced periodically. However, do you know when it should be replaced and that you have other filters that need attention too? Here are the car filters in most vehicles and a replacement schedule.
Engine Air Filter
This is the one we talk about most. It helps keep foreign items out of your engines. Most of the time your oil change center will check yours and let you know if it needs replacing. On average 30,000 miles is a good benchmark to replace it although some cars manuals recommend less and some more. Because it’s one of the filters that’s accessible, you can always check yours and easily replace it at an auto parts store.
Cabin Air Filter
Older cars don’t always have a cabin air filter, however, if you have a car manufactured since about 2000, your car probably has a cabin air filter. Their purpose is to help keep things out of your car’s HVAC system. Think love bugs, pollen and sand, especially here in Florida. One sign you’ve neglected yours for too long is weak air flow in the fans in your HVAC. Average recommendations for this filter is replacement about every 15,000 miles.
Oil Filter
If an oil change center changes your oil, they are supposed to replace the filter every oil change. Just like the other filters in your car, it keeps impurities and debris out – this time from your engine. Your oil filter does exactly what it sounds like, filters the oil as it circulates in your engine.
Fuel Filter
One of the least though about and talked about filters is the fuel filter. Your fuel filter protects your engine by filtering out any impurities in the fuel. This is a filter change best left to the mechanics. Most of the time the service person at your oil change center can also replace your fuel filter. If you’re not sure if it needs replacing, they can run a fuel pressure test. Keeping up with your manufacturer’s recommendations is also a good idea. Most recommendations state every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Oldsmar Automotive can help you with all your car’s filters. We will inspect the air filters when you come to us for an oil change. Of course, we’ll replace your oil filter then too. If you want us to check the pressure in your fuel system to see if the fuel filter should be replaced, just ask. Although appointments are not required for an oil change, we make it easy to schedule one here – https://www.oldsmarautomotive.com/oil-change/ or you can call us at (727) 784-3501 or come by 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar.
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