Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

Owning a gasoline-powered vehicle means your car, truck, or SUV likely has two air filters. One regular vehicle maintenance service you’ll need to take care of is changing out these two air filters every so often. Read the differences between the engine air filter vs. cabin air filter with our guide. We’ll answer, “How many air filters does a car have?” We will also show you how these car air filters work, signs the car air filters need a change, and a comparison of the cabin air filter vs an engine air filter.

How Many Air Filters Does a Car Have?

Your internal combustion engine vehicle needs to filter the air for two systems. Just like the air filter in your home, the two air filters in your vehicle are designed to keep dirt, dust, and contaminants out of your engine and your cabin. It keeps the air your engine and your passengers breathe cleaner on every drive in Golden Valley and beyond. The main difference between the engine air filter vs. the cabin air filter is that one keeps the dirt out of the combustion chamber and the other helps keep the cabin’s air cleaner.

We’ve answered, “How many air filters does a car have?” Next, we’ll explain the main differences between a cabin air filter vs. an engine air filter.

Differences Between the Engine Air Filter vs. a Cabin Air Filter

There are some differences between the engine air filter vs. cabin air filter. But they both serve the same basic purpose for Dolan Springs drives.

The cabin air filter keeps dust, dirt, and pollen out of the air you and your passengers breathe. It can help prevent allergies, keep out odors, and refresh the air you breathe in the cabin. You will definitely notice a difference when you change the cabin air filter.

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. Dirty air in your engine makes this process less efficient, which can cause carbon deposits to form over time in the combustion chamber. These carbon deposits will have to be cleaned at some point so that your engine can operate properly and improve your gas mileage.

Signs You Need a New Engine Air Filter

As you drive through Hackberry, the engine air filter will naturally accumulate dirt and dust over time. A dirty air filter can cause lower gas mileage and even misfiring pistons, which can make your engine malfunction.

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?

Your owner’s manual might recommend anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 miles as the replacement interval for your engine air filter. If you travel in dusty conditions, drive more often than 15,000 miles per year, traverse dirt roads regularly, or live in a dry climate, you should replace your engine air filter more often for the best results.

We recommend checking the engine air filter once a month. It’s easy to access and replace. All you have to do is open the air filter compartment under the hood, remove the old filter, and drop in a new one. A new engine air filter is also relatively inexpensive to replace.

One of our service technicians near Dolan Springs can handle this for you. We’re happy to help in any way we can!

Signs You Need a New Cabin Air Filter

We also recommend changing your cabin air filter every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Again, if you drive in less-than-ideal conditions, think about changing it sooner.

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 linger in the cabin
• Dust on surfaces almost all of the time

How Do I Replace My Cabin Air Filter?

First, look at your vehicle owner’s manual. It will show you where the cabin air filter is. These air filters are typically behind the dashboard or the glove box. You may need to use a screwdriver to replace it, but it depends on your make and model.

If the task is too difficult, talk to the service department at Anderson Ford Kingman. 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 Anderson Ford Kingman About Your Car Air Filters Today!

Now you know more about your engine air filter vs. a cabin air filter for your vehicle. Do you think you need a new one? Schedule service in Kingman, contact us, or call (928) 565-1927. We’ll see you as soon as possible. You might save some money with our service specials, too!