Your car’s air filtration system, which includes the cabin air filter and the engine air intake filter, is responsible for keeping the environmental pollutants and other impurities out of your engine and away from your passengers.

To fully understand how to maintain this fundamental system, you first need a firm grasp on its two major components.

The Cabin Filter

If you’re a homeowner (or even a renter), you know how important it is to regularly replace your air conditioner’s filter. Well, your vehicle’s AC system has a filter of its own. The cabin air filter eliminates pollen, mold spores and other allergens before they have a chance to circulate through the car.

As part of the car’s climate control system, this filter is essential to keeping the driver and passengers comfortable and healthy. However, the filter gradually clogs with the debris from the air it’s filtering. As the filter becomes dirty, the air conditioner and heater cannot perform as intended, and allergens are introduced into the air supply.

Engine Air Intake Filter

The cabin filter is responsible for protecting the driver, but the engine air intake filter defends the car itself. If you’ve ever driven through a dust storm or a swarm of flying insects, then you’ve seen your engine air filter in action. This filter eliminates waste, moisture, bugs and other pieces of debris before they’re sucked into the engine.

Contaminants as big as beetles and as small as dirt particles can quickly tear apart your engine. Sticky substances accumulate on the moving parts, carbon deposits impair function and the intake valves can clog with waste.

When your air filters are dirty, the engine’s performance suffers.

Now that you better understand these two essential engine components, you can properly maintain your air filtration system! Our ASE-certified technicians recommend an air filter replacement every 6,000 miles, so it’s best to request an filter check every time your car is brought in for service.

To schedule an air filtration system inspection, call Christian Brothers Automotive Rufe Snow in North Richland Hills, Texas. We’ll keep you breathing easy!