The 4 Main Types of Vehicle Filters

The outside paint isn’t the only place that collects dirt during road trips and short city commutes. Dust and debris from the road also get pushed into the air and kicked into the engine. Pollutants aren’t just damaging to the engine; they become hazardous for those who breathe them in. All vehicles have various types of filters responsible for keeping the engine and car cabin pollutant free. Most drivers become so preoccupied with other vehicle maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire rotations, and transmission flushes that they forget about their filters. Below is a list of the four primary filters and when you should have them replaced: 

Oil Filter
Clean engine oil helps lubricate the engine and reduce friction. Over time engine oil becomes gritty and sludgy; impurities will build up. These impurities can damage the engine. The oil filter improves engine performance by filtering out the pollutants and ensuring only clean oil is flowing through the engine. The oil filter should be changed during each scheduled oil change. 

Engine Filter
Pollution can enter the engine from the air, especially for drivers in dusty or heavily polluted areas. The engine filter plays an essential role in preventing these impurities from entering the engine. The engine filter should be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles to promote proper combustion and increase fuel efficiency. 

Fuel Filter
Clean fuel helps boost the long-term health for a vehicle. The fuel filter prevents impurities and damaging particles from contaminating the gasoline. The fuel filter should be changed every 20,000 to 40,000 miles depending on driving conditions.  

Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter is vital to keeping the cabin air clean for both the driver and passengers. The cabin filter prevents dust and pollen particles from entering the cabin. For it to work effectively, it should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. 

When was the last time you changed your filters? 
If it’s time to place clean filters in your vehicle, Tri Star Automotive in Tyrone, GA is here to help. We are the premium choice dealership alternative. We have ASE certified technicians that have automotive repair experience on all makes and models. Our customer service team is available to schedule an appointment or answer any questions you may have.