Rather than filtering only the air around your house, your car’s air filter is designed to remove smog and pollution from traffic, as well as insects and dirt picked up along road.

If it weren’t for the air filtration system, these contaminants would enter the engine, or the AC system. Fortunately, your car contains two essential filters, the cabin air filter and the engine air intake filter, which safeguard the health of your engine and your family.

The Cabin Filter

In the same way a mask prevents a painter from inhaling fumes, your air filter keeps allergens, dust and pollution from circulating through the climate control system. The cabin air filter, typically made of pleated paper, filters the air as it comes from outside, through the AC system, into your lungs.

This air filter is a crucial part of keeping the air inside the passenger cab safe. However, when this filter blocks with dirt, airflow to the air conditioner and heater will be reduced, allowing dangerous particulates to enter the air supply.

Engine Air Intake Filter

The cabin air filter defends your health while the engine air intake filter extends the life of your engine. The engine filter removes bigger pieces of grunge before they’re sucked under the car’s hood. By eliminating moisture, bugs, dirt and debris, your engine is safeguarded against unnecessary wear and tear.

When the air intake filter becomes too grimy, these impurities can enter the engine compartment and act as shrapnel. The bits of filth tear away at the engine and can obstruct the intake valves. The contamination can also taint the air-to-fuel ratio, lowering your vehicle’s fuel economy and gas mileage.

As the engine air intake filter accumulates more buildup, substances and carbon deposits are adhering to the engine. Fuel-injected filters tend to use a pleated paper filter, while older vehicles house a cylindrical air filter. Both types of filter have the same intention – keep the engine free of waste.

Dirty filters damage your vehicle.

Now that you know the difference between these two fundamental components, and their effect on your vehicle’s function, you can keep them properly maintained. Luckily, air filtration maintenance is easy! Simply replace the filters regularly.

Every time you bring your car into Christian Brothers Automotive, ask our ASE-certified technicians for a filter check. We recommend a replacement every 10,000-30,000 miles, so it’s best to request a filter replacement with every other oil change.

If you have any questions about car air filters, or it’s time for your vehicle’s cabin air filter or engine air intake filter to be replaced, call Christian Brothers Automotive Eagle’s Landing in Stockbridge, Georgia. We’ll make sure you see the nice difference!