Car Filters Explained
The main filters that you will find in any car are the air filter, cabin filter, oil filter and fuel filter. They work to protect other components in the vehicle, as well as people inside and the surrounding environment.
If these filters become clogged, vehicle performance could be affected, and serious problems could occur, such as engine failure. Understanding what your vehicle filters do and changing them regularly could help to prevent costly issues.
The purpose of an air filter is to prevent any dust, debris and harmful particles from getting into the engine, while allowing oxygen to pass through for the combustion process. How quickly your vehicle’s air filter gets clogged will depend on where you drive, so it is a good idea to check it regularly. If your car is emitting black smoke, this is a sign that the air filter is clogged.
The cabin filter helps to purify the air coming inside your car via the heating and air conditioning systems, capturing dust, pollen and other particles. A clogged cabin filter could impede the airflow and result in you breathing in unclean air, which could be particularly problematic for passengers with allergies or respiratory conditions.
If impurities, such as dirt and metallic particles are allowed to contaminate your car’s oil, this could have a negative impact on performance and potentially cause the engine to fail. The oil filter prevents harmful substances from contaminating motor oil and should be changed around every 10,000km in petrol cars and every 15,000km in diesels.
The fuel filter catches dust and grit to help maintain the engine and other vehicle parts. If it gets clogged, this can lead to problems with starting your car and can cause it to stall more often, because the fuel pump will be working extra hard to maintain the flow.
If you are concerned about the condition of your car filters, contact MotorServ UK and our team of professionals will advise you.