Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

Internal combustion engines require clean air to operate. You and your passengers also need clean air to breathe as you take care of daily drives, weekly errands, and weekend getaways to the Catskills or Poconos.

As such, your vehicle needs to filter the air for a couple of different systems. An air filter is designed to keep out dirt, dust, and contaminants from the air you breathe inside the cabin. The other air filter is for your internal combustion engine to keep the air clean for your engine’s combustion chamber where the gasoline droplets mix with air.

Find out more about the engine air filter vs. the cabin air filter in your vehicle from the experts at Acura of Ocean. We’ll go over when to change the car air filters, the signs you should change them, and why changing them is important to the optimal operation of your vehicle.

How Many Air Filters Does a Car Have?

Internal combustion vehicles have at least two air filters, one for the cabin and one for the engine. There are some differences between the cabin air filter vs engine air filter, even though they both serve the same basic purpose when keeping the air clean.

What Do Car Air Filters Do?

The cabin air filter keeps the air clean and free of contaminants. You’ll get cleaner air to breathe while running the air conditioner or heater. Cabin air filters can prevent pollen, dirt, and dust from recirculating in the cabin.

Meanwhile, the engine air filter prevents dust, dirt, pollen, and large particles from getting into your engine’s combustion chamber. Your engine needs air to regulate the small explosions that happen. Atomized gasoline mixes with air in this chamber. When the spark plug ignites the gasoline, it pushes the piston downward thanks to the controlled ignition of the gasoline. If the air is dirty, this system won’t work as effectively. Your gas mileage will suffer when there’s dirty air in the combustion chamber.

How Do You Know When to Get a New Engine Air Filter?

As you drive through Red Bank, the engine air filter will get dirty and clogged over time. This happens naturally, but the accumulated dirt reduces the filter’s effectiveness. A dirty air filter can cause lower gas mileage and even misfiring pistons.

Take a look at some warning signs you should get a new engine air filter:

• Lack of quick acceleration
• Spark plugs are misfiring
• Black smoke in the exhaust
• Service Engine light comes on

How Often Should You Replace the Engine Air Filter?

Read your owner’s manual or your vehicle’s computerized information system to see the recommended engine air filter replacement schedule. It might recommend anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 miles. You might consider changing the air filter more regularly if you drive in less-than-ideal conditions. If you drive in dusty conditions, drive more often than 15,000 miles per year, travel on dirt roads, or live in a very dry climate, you should replace your engine air filter more often than the recommended interval. Pay attention to the signs that your engine air filter needs to be changed. Some vehicles have sensors on them to tell you when you need to change the air filter.

We recommend checking the engine air filter once a month. It’s easy to access and even easier to replace. All you have to do is open the air filter compartment, remove the old filter, and drop in a new one! If you want a technician to replace it, stop by our dealership, close to Freehold, and we’ll talk to you. Changing the air filter is not a problem, and it shouldn’t take very long for our technicians to do.

How Do You Know When to Replace the Cabin Air Filter?

Much like the engine air filter, the cabin air filter collects dust, pollen, and dirt as you drive along Asbury Park streets and highways. The cabin air filter keeps these things out of your interior space, allowing you and your passengers to breathe easier no matter where you go. A dirty cabin air filter that needs to be replaced can drastically reduce the air quality inside your vehicle. If you or your passengers have allergies, you might notice more sneezes or runny noses.

Notice these changes in your air quality that may indicate you need a new cabin air filter:

• Reduced airflow when the AC or heat is on
• Unpleasant odors that linger in the cabin
• Dust on surfaces almost all of the time

You should replace your cabin air filter whenever any of these signs occur. Your vehicle information center or owner’s manual might have a reminder about what interval to replace your cabin air filter, typically between 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

How Do I Replace My Cabin Air Filter?

First, look at your vehicle owner’s manual or the driver information center on your vehicle’s screen. It will show you where the cabin air filter is and whether this task is easy to accomplish. If it’s too difficult to do on your own, talk to the service department at Acura of Ocean. We’ll replace your old cabin air filter with a new one that fits properly and makes your air conditioning work more effectively.

Talk to Acura of Ocean About Your Car Air Filters

Now you know more about your engine air filter vs. a cabin air filter for your vehicle. It’s an important and often overlooked part of your vehicle maintenance routine.

Does your vehicle need a new cabin air filter or engine air filter? Schedule service or call (732) 443-3459. We’ll see you as soon as possible. Check out our ongoing service and parts specials to see any deals you can get on car service for your next routine maintenance to keep your vehicle in top shape! Our team is happy to help you in any way we can!