You
need clean air to breathe and so does your car, and a vehicle’s air
filters make that possible. The non-profit Car Care Council reminds
car owners to have the engine and cabin air filters inspected and
changed regularly to ensure vehicle longevity and interior comfort.
“Air
filters are your vehicle’s first line of defense against
contaminants that reduce cabin air quality and negatively impact
engine performance,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care
Council. “Community car care events held throughout the country
reveal that nearly one out of five vehicles is in need of air filter
replacement, so it’s evident that motorists often overlook this
simple, yet important service.”
The
vehicle’s engine air filter traps dirt particles that can cause
damage to engine cylinders, cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings and
bearings, leading to the engine losing power. The air filter also
plays a critical role in keeping pollutants from contaminating the
airflow sensor on fuel-injected cars. A normal wear item that
requires regular checks and replacement, air filters should be
inspected at each oil change and replaced annually or when showing
other signs of contamination.
The
cabin air filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the
passenger compartment. Under normal circumstances, it helps trap
pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into
a vehicle’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)
system, compromising interior air quality and damaging the system.
Most cabin air filters are accessed through the panel in the HVAC
housing, which may be under the hood or placed within the interior of
the vehicle. A cabin air filter should not be cleaned and
reinstalled. Instead, it should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000
miles or per the owner’s manual.