Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

Your vehicle’s air filter needs to be changed periodically to make sure the air stays cleaner as it goes into various parts of your vehicle. Do you know the differences between an engine air filter vs. cabin air filter? These are two vital, yet sometimes overlooked, aspects of regular car maintenance as you travel around Bedford.

Discover more details in our comparison of the engine air filter vs. a cabin air filter with our guide from the experts at Tulley BMW of Manchester. We’ll discuss how many air filters a car has, what car air filters do, and more!

How Many Air Filters Does a Car Have?

Before delving further into the topic of engine air filter vs. cabin air filter, let’s answer some common questions. One question many drivers often ask us is “How many air filters does a car have?” Vehicles with an internal combustion engine have 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 purpose: Keeping air cleaner for your Londonderry drives. 

How Do Your Car Air Filters Work?

The cabin air filter keeps the air you and your passengers breathe clean and free of contaminants. This is one of the car air filters attached to the HVAC system. Air flows through the cabin air filter before it goes through the vents in your AC. Cabin air filters can prevent pollen, dirt, and dust from recirculating in the cabin.

Under the hood, the engine air filter prevents dust, dirt, pollen, and large particles from entering the combustion chamber. If the air going into the combustion chamber is dirty, this system won’t work as effectively. Spark plugs would get soot on them and they wouldn’t fire as efficiently as they could.

When Is It Time to Get a New Engine Air Filter?

As you drive through Auburn, 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. This is one difference between an engine air filter vs. a cabin air filter. A clogged engine air filter affects your engine performance. 

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
• The Service Engine light comes on

How Often Should You Replace the Engine Air Filter?

Read your owner’s manual to see the recommended replacement schedule for an engine air filter. It might recommend anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 miles. If you travel in dusty conditions, drive more than 15,000 miles per year, traverse dirt roads, or live in a dry climate, you should replace your engine air filter more often. Pay attention to the signs that your engine air filter needs to be changed. Some high-tech vehicles have sensors to indicate that you need to change the air filter.

We recommend checking the engine air filter once a month. 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 service center in Manchester, and we’ll talk to you. Changing the engine air filter is not a problem, and it shouldn’t take very long to accomplish. We’re happy to help!

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

One of the similarities between cabin air filter vs. engine air filter is they both collect dust, pollen, dirt, odors, and airborne contaminants. You’ll notice a dirty cabin air filter when the air quality in the cabin is drastically reduced. 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. Again, check your owner’s manual. You typically change the cabin air filter between 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Consider changing it more often if you live in or drive in dry or dusty conditions.

How Do I Replace My Cabin Air Filter?

A cabin air filter is usually 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. Your owner’s manual will tell you where it’s located.

If the task is too difficult, talk to the service department at Tulley BMW of Manchester. 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 Tulley BMW of Manchester About Your Car Air Filters Today!

Now you know more about your cabin air filter vs. engine air filter for your vehicle. Do you need either of these filters changed? Contact us, schedule service, or call 603-644-2691 to make an appointment.