In a similar way to living creatures, vehicles also need to be able to freely “breathe” clean air. Of course cars do not have lungs, so when we say “breathe”, what we really mean is “filter air.” Your vehicle’s cabin air filters should be inspected and serviced on a routine basis to ensure perfectly clean and unobstructed “breathing.” For permanent filters, a professional car mechanic will clean them, dry them, and replace them as needed. For disposable ones. A simple inspection and replacement is all it takes! Continue reading to learn more about the importance of clean automotive air filters.
Defense Against Airborne Contaminants
Your vehicle’s air filters play an important role in terms of interior cabin air quality and comfort. But it also plays a significant role in how your vehicle operates. Clogged or defective filters can cause a decrease in engine performance and capacity, as well as, lose their ability to protect you against harmful airborne contaminants. You see, dirt, oil, and other harmful contaminants are trapped in air filters, and after sometime, they accumulate to mass amounts, causing the filters to lose their value. And when the filters become too saturated, they cannot trap anymore contaminants. As a result, these contaminants enter the engine and damage pistons, piston rings and bearings, cylinders, cylinder walls, and more. This causes the engine to then lose power. For fuel injected cars, air filters protect the air flow sensor from contamination.
As for interior air quality and comfort, dirty filterings can jeopardize the cabin environment. Without anything between you and airborne contaminants, you are left to suffer from dirty indoor air. This results in musty odors, stuffiness, allergy-agitation, and more. When it comes to cabin air filters, try to have them inspected and replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If you are a frequent driver or frequently drive long distances, decrease this rule to every 10,000 to 12,000 miles.
Although such an important part of car safety and maintenance, air filter replacement is often overlooked. Be sure to talk to your trusted car mechanic about recommended factory scheduled maintenance for your vehicle. They have the knowledge and advanced diagnostic systems to provide accurate and effective service for your exact make and model car or truck. They can then provide you with a trusted schedule that you can continue to use and refer to for years to come!
