Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

If you own a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, your car, truck, or SUV has not one but two air filters. 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 your favorite lakeside retreat.

As such, your vehicle needs to filter the air for two 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. cabin air filter in your vehicle from the experts at Serra Nissan of Traverse City. We’ll go over when to change both car air filters, the signs you should change them, and why changing air filters is important to keep your car working in top condition.

How Many Air Filters Does a Car Have?

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 function to keep the air clean as it comes into your engine combustion chamber or your cabin.

What Do Car Air Filters Do?

The cabin air filter keeps the air clean and free of contaminants before you and your passengers breathe it in. 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, keeping the air fresher as you travel.

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

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

As you drive through Cadillac, 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 often 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, and your vehicle will alert you to change the air filter.

We recommend checking the engine air filter once a month when it’s convenient for you. It’s easy to access and even easier to replace. Look at the white filter medium. Is it all black or brown? It might be time to replace it.

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 Bellaire, 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. We’d be happy to take care of this regular car maintenance!

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 Manistee 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 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. It’s usually behind the dashboard or glove box. If it’s too difficult to do on your own, talk to the service department at Serra Nissan of Traverse City. 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 Serra Nissan of Traverse City About Your Car Air Filters

Now you know more about your engine air filter vs. 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 231-486-0882. We’ll help you at your convenience. 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 new vehicle in top shape! We would be glad to help you maintain your vehicle to get the most out of your driving experience.