There are many different filters in your vehicle, and they all have an important job. Whether it is to filter air, oil, or fuel, they are all essential to the operation and health of the car. Here are some of the different types of filters you’ll find in your car and what they do.
ENGINE AIR FILTERS
There is an air filter in the engine that works to clean the air that goes into the engine for combustion. Air filters are made of different materials such as paper, foam, or sometimes even cotton. The air filter cleans the air as it enters the engine to remove any abrasive particles. This ensures that the combustion occurs in the best possible conditions and it makes sure the fuel efficiency of the vehicle remains where it should according to the manufacturer.
OIL FILTERS
As an engine runs, the metal wears down and tiny metal particles release. These particles can block the flow and also end up in the lubricant. The oil filter in your car catches these particles that could potentially damage the engine. It is important to change the oil filter according to the car specifications to keep it working properly. This means about every two years if you drive a new car and every year if you have an older model.
FUEL FILTERS
The purpose of a fuel filter is to remove impurities from the fuel before they get to the engine. This filter picks up and contains any dirt that might harm the engine or keep it from working properly. It is important to change the fuel filter periodically since the dirt, and small particles can build up and get stuck in the filter. If it clogged or dirty, it will reduce the amount of fuel flowing to the engine and affect the fuel economy and performance.
CABIN AIR FILTERS
The cabin air filter catches dust particles and also pollen that can float around the air outside the vehicle and prevents them from entering the car. These filters are important for keeping the air inside the car clean and breathable no matter what it is like outside. It is a good idea to change the cabin filters about once a year to ensure that they stay clean and keep filtering out the particles.
EMISSION VALVE AND FILTER
The emission valve and the emission filter both work together to move the toxic fumes that the engine creates back to the combustion chambers. Once back, they are re-burned which helps to increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle, and helps keep the air pollutants down. Both of these parts have an important job in the process. The valve makes sure that there is enough airflow so that the engine can breathe, and the filter removes all of the oil vapors.