4 Types of Car Filters and What They Do for You
Air Filters: Cleans the Air Used by the Car Engine
If you’ve seen an older car with its engine sputtering and puffing out black smoke, it could be due to a dirty air filter. Long before a newer car starts puffing smoke, the check engine light will come on because the air filter is past its prime.
Cabin Filters: Purifies the Air in the Vehicle
Whether or not you’re using the air conditioner, the cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, and other air pollutants out of the air you breathe while driving. The cabin air filter is part of the ventilation system. This rectangular screen keeps several things out of the air inside your car:
- Exhaust fumes
- Dirt
- Dust
- Pollen
- Bugs
- Leaves
In addition, the cabin air filter prevents all this gunk from clogging up the vehicle’s AC system.
Oil Filters: Clean Lubrication That’s Critical for Engine Performance
Oil is needed to lubricate the many engine components that work together to make a vehicle run. The engine would quickly overheat without oil, and parts would wear out prematurely. But every time oil circulates through the engine, and it can become contaminated.
The oil filter keeps debris and dirt out of the oil while the engine is running. A properly working filter is critical to your car’s smooth operation, engine life, and fuel mileage.
Fuel Filters: Clears Out Gas Contaminants
When fuel comes out of a refinery, it’s clean. Then it goes into trucks and gas station tanks, where it may get contaminated before it goes into your vehicle. The fuel filter keeps dirt, grime, and water out of your engine.
The fuel filter is a cartridge located in the fuel line. Inside the cartridge, a screen catches dirt, rust, and other debris in the fuel before it passes through to the fuel injector.
When it’s time for a fuel filter change, you may notice that your vehicle is more sluggish than normal or suddenly misfiring for no reason.
All four kinds of car filters keep your car running smoothly so you can drive safely and worry-free. We are ready to answer any of your questions, just give us a call.
Thanks to DriversEd.com for the article contribution.