Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

If you own a car with an internal combustion engine, your vehicle likely has two air filters. You’ll need to understand the differences between the engine air filter vs. cabin air filter as part of regular vehicle maintenance.

Your vehicle needs to filter the air for a couple of different systems. An air filter is designed to keep dirt, dust, and contaminants out from the air you breathe inside the cabin as you handle daily commutes, weekly errands, and weekend getaways to your favorite lakeside spot or camping area. 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.

Learn more about the engine air filter and cabin air filter from the experts at Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City. We’ll go over when to change these car air filters, the signs you should change them, and why changing them is vital for you and your passengers.

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 purpose when keeping the air clean and free of dust and dirt. 

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 the engine’s combustion chamber. Atomized gasoline mixes with air in this chamber. When the spark plug ignites the gas, 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. Soot from the flames, when the air is dirty, can cause spark plugs to lose their effectiveness.

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

As you drive through Manistee, the engine air filter will get dirty and clogged over time. 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 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 travel in dusty conditions, more often than 15,000 miles per year, on dirt roads, or live in a 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 to indicate that 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 under the hood, remove the old filter, and drop in a new one! It’s as simple as that!

If you want a technician to replace it, stop by our dealership close to Cadillac, 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’re happy to help.

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

Like the engine air filter, the cabin air filter also collects dust, pollen, dirt, odors, and airborne contaminants as you drive along Grayling streets and highways. The cabin air filter keeps these things out of your interior space, allowing you and your passengers to breathe easier. 

A dirty cabin air filter that needs to get replaced can drastically reduce the air quality inside your vehicle. If you or your passengers have allergies and you have a dirty cabin air filter, you might notice more sneezes, dry throats, 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 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. Again, you might change it more often if you drive a lot or in dry, dirty, and dusty conditions.

How Do I Replace My Cabin Air Filter?

First, look at your vehicle owner’s manual or the driver information center on your car’s screen. It will show you where the cabin air filter is and whether this task is easy to complete. These air filters are typically behind the dashboard or the glove box. You generally don’t need tools to replace the cabin air filter, but it depends on your vehicle’s make and model. 

If the task is too difficult, talk to the service department at Serra Cadillac 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. You’ll breathe better inside your vehicle’s cabin in no time!

Talk to Serra Cadillac Of Traverse City About Your Car Air Filters Today!

Now you know more about your engine air filter vs. a cabin air filter for your vehicle. It’s a vital and often overlooked part of your vehicle’s maintenance routine. It can save you money on fuel costs over time and make your drives more comfortable.

Does your new vehicle need a new cabin air filter or engine air filter? Schedule service, contact us, or call (231) 484-0401. We’ll see you as soon as possible. Check out our ongoing service and parts specials to see any service deals for your next routine maintenance to keep your vehicle in top shape! Our team is happy to help you in any way we can!