There is so much going on under the hood of your automobile. Every component and part under the hood requires your attention and timely maintenance.
The engine needs proper cleaning and this job is perfectly done by filters. There are different types of car filters that keep the contaminants out and allow clean air and liquids to pass through. Dirty filters are not merely a nuisance but an indication of risk towards more serious mechanical problems over time that could have been easily prevented.
There are four different types of filters in cars that are:
- Air filter
- Cabin filter
- Oil filter
- Fuel filter
Let’s learn a bit more about types of filters in cars, such as when you should change them and how they work – you never know when you might have to use that knowledge when buying a used car in the UAE.
THE FOUR TYPES OF AUTOMOBILE FILTERS
AIR FILTERS – FOR CLEANING AIR IN THE ENGINE
The key to recognising a bad air filter of any vehicle is watching the air coming out of it from the exhaust pipe. Black smoke sputters out of the engine is a sign that the air filter has gone dirty. On top of it, way before the black smoke, the check engine light on the dashboard will turn on to indicate it.
A car air filter, as you can guess, is a very simple component that keeps the air clean of contaminants that go into the engine. These may include bugs, water particles, road grime, pollen, dirt and anything else you can imagine.
Like their simple functioning, cleaning or changing air filters is equally effortless. All you have to do is remove the intake hose attached to the air collection box and take the filter out. Next, hold it up in the light – if you cannot see light pass through it, you have to clean/replace it.
CABIN FILTERS – FOR CLEANING HOT AIR OF THE VEHICLE
Regardless of the usage of your air conditioner, the car cabin filter is designed to keep dust, pollen and other pollutants away from the air inside of the vehicle as you drive. The rectangular-shaped screen makes up a part of the ventilation system, keeping exhaust fumes, dirt, dust, pollen, bugs, and leaves out of the air blowing inside your vehicle.
Cabin filter, by keeping all these contaminants out, also ensures the vehicle’s AC system does not get clogged. This filter is usually under the hood, behind the glove compartment or under the dashboard. Depending on its location, the degree of replacing or cleaning the cabin filter varies in difficulty. Damage to the cabin filter can eventually lead to weak air conditioner in cars.
OIL FILTERS – FOR CLEAN LUBRICATION
Oil is an essential component to run any machine; vehicles are among the top ones. Without necessary oiling, the engine quickly overheats, leading to the automobile parts wearing out prematurely. However, like air, oil also becomes contaminated as it circulates through the engine.
The car oil filter, among major types of car filters, essentially removes debris and dirt from the oil while the engine runs. If it’s working properly, the engine keeps running smoothly with optimal fuel mileage. Changing engine oil also teaches you to replace the oil filter when necessary. In fact, it’s recommended to replace the oil filter every time you change car engine oil, ideally every 5000 km. Newer vehicles and upgraded models can work up to 16,000 km without needing the recommended replacement.
FUEL FILTERS – FOR CLEANING GAS
Fuel filter, as the name suggests, cleans the fuel that runs your vehicle. Ideally, fuel out of the refinery is always clean and free of dirt. When it goes to gas station tanks, it mixes with some contaminants, after which it goes into your fuel tank.
A fuel filter, therefore, keeps away dirt, grime and water out of the engine. It is a cartridge located in the fuel line with a screen that catches dirt, rust and other debris before passing through to the fuel injector.
You may start to notice that your vehicle has become more sluggish than usual and misfires for no apparent reason. This indicates that it is high time to change the fuel filters. Ideally, manufacturers recommend the replacement every two years or about 50,000 km, whichever comes first. You can look through the car’s manual to learn the method of replacement and its location when needed.
Now you know how many types of filters are there in a car. All four types of car filters keep your car running smooth and easy without leading to frequent mechanical hassles. Keep in mind to always refer to your car’s manual when you want to change or clean the filters – everything is detailed out with maintenance measures for added safety.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information about different automobile parts, their functions and maintenance guides.
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