To keep your vehicle performing at its best, there are many parts that need regular maintenance. One thing that often gets overlooked when it comes to vehicle maintenance is the changing of the various filters. Over time, filters fill with debris and stop doing their job efficiently.
At JB Mobile Mechanics, our vehicle experts can quickly check and replace your vehicle’s filters, returning your vehicle to its peak running condition. What are these filters, what do they do, and how often should they be replaced? Let’s take a look at each a little more closely.
The engine air filter keeps dust, debris, pollen, and even bugs from entering your vehicle’s engine assembly. This filter keeps your engine clean and running as efficiently as possible. The timeline for replacing the engine air filter varies based on your vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines, but in general it is between 15,000 miles and 45,000 miles depending on the make, model and age of your vehicle. Every 30,000 miles is somewhat of an industry average. Thankfully, this filter is typically easily accessible in most vehicles, so you can easily pull it out and check how dirty it is.
It is a good idea to have this filter checked each time your vehicle has any maintenance work done, such as at each oil change. However, it is important to bear your vehicle recommendations in mind. If you find that your mechanic suggests a new filter at every oil change, you may be changing it far more often than needed—bring your vehicle to General Automotive for a second opinion.
The cabin air filter in your vehicle works as a barrier between the vehicle’s passengers and external pollutants. This filter cleans the air coming in through your vehicle’s heating and cooling system, removing dust, pollen, and other debris from the air. The cabin air filter replacement schedule is also included in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, and varies from vehicle to vehicle, but generally it needs to be replaced every 15,000 miles or so. Some telltale signs that it is time to replace your cabin air filter are unpleasant odors coming from your heating and cooling vents, and rattling noises when running heat or air conditioning. Weak airflow is another sign that your cabin air filter may be clogged—you will notice that your windows start fogging up on the inside.
The oil filter is design to remove impurities and debris from the oil that lubricates the engine. Clean oil is essential to the life of your vehicle, and the filter keeps the oil clean, and keep your engine running smoothly. The oil filter in your vehicle should be changed along with the vehicle’s oil, which should be done according to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. In general, oil changes should be done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or every six months, whichever comes first. If you drive in extreme conditions, such as on dusty roads or in very high temperatures, you should have your oil and oil filter changed more frequently.
Is your car in need of service? Whether the job involves routine maintenance or more involved repairs, JB Mobile Mechanics can provide you with an estimate of the cost.
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