Your car contains multiple fluid systems, and each one can pick up dirt, debris, and contaminants over time. Even the airflow throughout your car’s systems can be compromised by dirt and dust. Filters can protect air and fluids by acting as a partial barrier, but it’s important to maintain them and replace them over time as they fill up with the contaminants they block. Keep reading to discover the roles of the three most important filters in your car.
Air Filters
Your car’s air filter protects the engine from debris like dust, dirt, and road chemicals that might otherwise get into the engine and cause excessive wear and tear. However, filters aren’t permanent barriers. Instead, they gradually fill up and clog with all the debris that might have gone into your car engine. Clogged air filters can cause the following problems:
- Dirty smoke and more emissions
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Less power and acceleration
- Eventual engine failure
We recommend replacing your car air filter every 12,000-15,000 miles.
Oil Filters
An oil filter picks up dirt, metal, carbon, and other contaminants as it circulates throughout your car engine. The oil filter picks up these contaminants so your oil stays clean for longer, reducing wear and ensuring better performance over time. However, the oil filter will eventually fill up. Dirty oil filters can partially obstruct oil flow, damage your engine, and lead to costly, premature engine replacement. We recommend changing your oil filter at least every 7,500 miles, or every time you change your oil.
Fuel Filters
Fuel filters catch rust, sediment, and other particles before the fuel enters your car engine. But as the fuel filter gets older and dirtier, it’s less effective. Waiting too long to replace your fuel filter will prematurely wear down your engine, cause wear and tear to the fuel injectors, and lead to engine misfires, stalling, and eventual failure. We recommend getting a new fuel filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
At Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers, we offer complete filter replacement services as part of our comprehensive car repair and maintenance services. Schedule an appointment today to replace your filters and keep your car in great shape, or contact us to learn more!