Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

Engine Air Filter
Getting your car air filters replaced is an important part of your maintenance visits at the service center, but just how many air filters does a car have? The answer is two: the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. Both perform different functions, and both are crucial to the functioning of your vehicle. Learn about the difference between cabin air filter vs. engine air filter, and visit Webb Ford, Inc. in Highland for all of your maintenance needs.
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What Do Car Air Filters Do?

Car air filters remove particles in the air that could contaminate your vehicle’s components. Find out how the engine air filter vs. cabin air filter compare:
  • Cabin Air Filter: The cabin air filter cleans the air in the cabin to prevent debris in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
  • Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter prevents contaminants like dirt, sand, and dust from entering the engine.

How Can I Tell if My Filters are Bad?

Now you know the difference between the cabin air filter vs. engine air filter, but how do you know when it’s time for a replacement? Here are some of the red flags of clogged car air filters:
  • Cabin Air Filter: When your cabin air filter is full of debris, you’ll notice reduced air flow in your car’s interior. You might even see more dust settling on surfaces or unpleasant odors that linger.
  • Engine Air Filter: When your engine filter is clogged, your car’s performance will suffer. This can present itself as poor acceleration or spark plugs misfiring, or it might be more dramatic – including Service Engine lights or even black smoke coming from your car.

When Should I Change My Filters?

Your owner’s manual will let you know the best timeframe to change your car air filters, but you can also talk to our service technicians for advice. Most Griffith drivers change their cabin air filter between 15,000 and 30,000 miles and their engine filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. But if you drive in heavy Schererville traffic or dusty trails in Munster, you might want to change your filters earlier!

Schedule Your Service with Webb Ford, Inc.

Whether you want to schedule your next maintenance visit or pick up new filters for a DIY job, we welcome you to visit the service center at Webb Ford, Inc.. Feel free to contact us with your questions, and we’d love to help.