Regular maintenance on your vehicle is essential to ensuring its dependability and safety. This is especially true when it comes to cleaning and replacing the filters.
As the unsung heroes of all vehicles, car filters are crucial components that shouldn’t be neglected, since leaving them grimy could present a danger to the health of your vehicle. Though the names are self-explanatory, it’s important for vehicle owners to understand the importance and individual function of each type of filter.
Air Filters
There are a few different types of air filters in your vehicle that keep everything running smoothly.
Cabin Air Filters – Allergy sufferers especially appreciate the invention of the cabin air filter. This filter is designed to catch dust particles and pollen that float outside the car and prevents them from entering. Cabin air filters keep the air within the vehicle breathable no matter the conditions outside. These filters should be changed once a year to ensure they are clean and can catch harmful particles.
Engine Air Filters – Designed to help the combustion process work properly, the engine air filter cleans out any impurities in the air that is taken in by the engine for combustion, such as dust and dirt. Without a properly functioning engine air filter, the engine will not be able to combust correctly, resulting in lost fuel mileage and power.1
Signs you need to replace your engine air filter include:
- Decreased fuel efficiency
- Misfiring or missing engine
- Unusual engine sounds
- Dirty air filter
- Reduced horsepower
- Black smoke or flames exiting the exhaust
- Noticeable gasoline smell
Emission Valve and Filter
The emission valve and filter are designed to make sure there is enough airflow to allow the vehicle’s engine to breathe. The valve and filter work in tandem to move toxic fumes created by the engine back into the combustion chambers.
Once back in the chambers, the toxic fumes are re-burned. Re-burning these fumes helps increase the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and helps keep air pollutants down. During this process, the valve provides air circulation and the filter removes all the oil vapors.
Fuel Filters
Unlike other filters in your vehicle, the fuel filter has two different functions depending on your engine fuel type.
In gasoline engines, the fuel filter removes impurities from the fuel you use to fill your tank. For diesel engines, the fuel filter prevents corrosion by removing water buildup, which would otherwise cause serious problems in your engine and fuel system.
Signs you need a new fuel filter include:
- Shaky engine idling
- Difficulty starting the engine
- The engine dies while on the road
- The vehicle struggles at low speeds
Oil Filters
Oil is the lifeblood of a vehicle’s engine, but as it circulates, it picks up contaminants that can damage the engine and cause it to fail.
During an engine’s lifetime, metal within it wears down and releases particles that can block the flow of oil and end up in the lubricant of your engine. The oil filter is designed to catch these particles before they get to the engine, protecting it from potential damage.
Signs you need to replace your oil filter include:
- Poor performance
- “Sputtering”
- Metallic sounds
- Drop in the oil pressure gauge
Preventative Maintenance Is Key
It is crucial to replace all the filters in your vehicle on a regular basis to ensure they are capable of keeping your car running smoothly and efficiently. If you’re unsure how to maintain or change these filters yourself, make sure their maintenance is part of your regular vehicle inspections at your preferred service center.
To learn more about your vehicle’s filters, consult your owner’s manual and schedule replacements based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Have Your Filters Replaced by the Expert Technicians at Toyota of Seattle
The filters in your vehicle are too important to be neglected. At Toyota of Seattle, our expert technicians will service your vehicle with our “pit crew” approach to ensure your vehicle receives professional, accurate and quick maintenance to get you back on the road as soon as possible.
Our Toyota Express Maintenance includes services such as oil and filter changes, brake inspections, tire rotations and more.
Call 206-382-8812 or visit us online to schedule your service today.