While you may have heard of your vehicle’s cabin air filter and engine air filter, but what’s the difference between the two? A cabin air filter cleans the air that passes through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. An engine air filter keeps dirt, dust, sand, and other contaminants from getting inside the engine. Keep reading with the service experts at Capitol Acura to, one, learn the signs of a failing cabin and engine air filter, and two, how often to change these vehicle components. If you think your engine or cabin air filter needs to be replaced, you can always schedule a service appointment and our certified technicians can take a look!
How Do You Know When to Change an Engine Air Filter?
As mentioned previously, you car’s engine air filter works to prevent various contaminants from getting inside of the engine. Naturally, as you drive throughout the San Jose area, the filter will get dirty and clogged, reducing its effectiveness and negatively affecting your vehicle’s performance. How do you know when your engine air filter needs to be replaced? Here are some warning signs that you should look out for:
- Your vehicle doesn’t accelerate as quickly
- The spark plugs are misfiring
- There’s black smoke coming from the exhaust
- The Service Engine light comes on
How Often Should You Change an Engine Air Filter?
You should consult you owner’s manual for a the recommended engine air filter replacement schedule for your specific vehicle. Although, if you frequently travel on dirt roads or drive through heavy traffic in Santa Clara, you may need to replace your engine air filter more often. It’s always a good idea to check the quality of the filter from time to time, and it’s easy to install a new one. Just open the air filter compartment, remove the old filter, and drop in a new one! Of course, if you’d rather have a professional take care of it, you can always visit Capitol Acura.
How Do You Know When to Change a Cabin Air Filter?
As you drive throughout Milpitas, you cabin air filter collects dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants, preventing them from entering the interior of your vehicle. Over time, your cabin air filter will get clogged and can impact the air quality of your cabin. How do you know when your cabin air filter needs to be changed? Keep an eye out for these indicators:
- Reduced air flow when the climate systems are on
- Unpleasant odors lingering in the cabin
- Dust frequently settles on surfaces
How Often Should You Change a Cabin Air Filter?
If you notice any of signs above, your cabin air filter is likely due for a change. Here’s how you can change your vehicle’s cabin air filter:
- Use your owner’s manual to find out where the filter is located. This will determine how difficult or easy it is to replace the cabin air filter.
- The cabin air filter is behind the glove box or under the hood, but in some models it’s under the dashboard, which is more difficult to reach.
- Be sure to wear gloves and a mask in case removing the dirty air filter gets messy.
- Place the old filter in a garbage bag, and replace it with a genuine OEM part to ensure quality, durability, and fit, and to maintain the Acura warranty.
Visit Capitol Acura to Replace Your Cab & Engine Air Filter
Are you in need of a cabin air filter and engine air filter replacement? Visit the Capitol Acura service center and our service technicians can take care of the job for you! Be sure to check out our ongoing parts specials so you can get a great deal on your vehicle’s most critical components!
