Maintaining Your Engine’s Air Filter

How often should you be replacing your vehicle’s air filter? Well, it certainly depends. The usage, model, and typical driving conditions all have an effect on when you should change your filter.

You should know that most newer cars have two air filters, an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. The engine air filter helps clean your engine clean. Different car brands recommend different change dates, ranging from 15,000 to 45,000 miles. If you’re constantly driving in heavy traffic, places with dust, and hot weather you’ll probably need to change your engine’s air filter more frequently. One way to tell if you need a new air filter is simple, take a look at it. If the outside of your air filter is coated in black soot, it’s time for a new one. Luckily they can be replaced without mechanics - if you checked on it already you already know where it is.

Cabin air filters require more frequent maintenance than your engines. Every 12,000 to 15,000 miles you should begin looking at whether it’s time to replace it. If you’re overdue you might notice some strange odors, reduced airflow, and uncommon sounds coming from your AC system. Depending on your vehicle type your cabin air filter might be easily accessible, some are located directly behind your glove box. To be sure it’s important to consult your owners manual. If you’re able to locate your air filter easily it might be worth saving the trip to the mechanic by changing it yourself. If you noticed anything wrong with your AC unit, take a look at your cabin air filter - you’ll certainly notice the debris on the filter that have been causing your AC problems!