Los Altos Auto Repair

I am one lucky dog!  Brandy here and my dog pals, Duke & Cayenne, let me bark a second time in a row for The Barking Lot.  This time it's all about cabin air filters and engine air filters..................what is the difference? 

You may have heard someone say they just got the air filter replaced in their vehicle.  But did you know your vehicle has two major air filters, and they perform quite different—but very important—duties?

Today’s vehicles have a cabin air filter and an engine air filter.  The engine air filter cleans the air that enters your engine so it can run more efficiently and contaminants don’t foul vital parts.  While the cabin air filter keeps the air inside the vehicle’s cabin clean, the place where you and your passengers sit.  

It is important that you have each of these filter types changed at regular intervals, or earlier if any show signs of contamination. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual often recommends how long the interval should be.

First, let’s look at the engine air filter. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will offer guidelines on how often you should change the engine air filter as a matter of routine, by mileage or time interval.  

If you see signs of engine air contamination, such as misfiring, an illuminated check engine light, smoke coming from your tailpipe, or loss of power, you may need to replace the engine air filter sooner.  

Next, the cabin air filter.  Again, the vehicle manufacturer will suggest how often you should replace it. But if you notice excess dust in the cabin, on the dash, console, or seats, a bad smell in the cabin, or reduced airflow through the heating and cooling ducts, you should have us check whether your cabin air filter needs replacing. In either case, we’ll make sure we replace your air filters - either engine or cabin - with ones that are right for your vehicle.  

Since the holidays are around the corner, I leave you with this funny Christmas quote,

“Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.” — Victor Borge

Brandy

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com

Duke here, and you know some people do not like change, but sometimes change is good even for your car.  Your air filter is one of the items on your car where change is good.  But why you ask, well let's get barkin" and find out. 

Engine air filters may not seem like a big deal, but when they’re clogged up with dirt, dust, and insects, your engine could wind up choking for air and not delivering you the power and performance it was designed to give.

There are actually a couple of air filters in your vehicle.  One filters the air into the cabin (the cabin air filter), and the other filters air into the engine.  That engine filter is the one we’re talking about. After several months and long distances traveled, your engine air filter accumulates the junk it’s preventing from getting into your engine. You may notice your engine misfiring, your acceleration may not be what it used to be, it may make strange noises, and the Check Engine light may come on.

When you notice any of those signs, it’s time to bring in your vehicle to have us figure out what’s going on. We’ll visually inspect your air filter.  Keep in mind that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends a replacement interval for your make and model.  Typically, many automakers suggest replacing the air filter every 10,000-15,000 miles/16,000-24,000 km.  But if you drive in dirty and dusty areas, you should have it checked more frequently.  Also, if you spend a lot of your driving hours in congested urban areas, stop-and-go driving can tax your engine air filter.

When replacing it, it’s important to get the correct filter. Automakers often offer a variety of engines in the same model, so our technician will ensure you’re getting the one made for your vehicle’s configuration.  Remember that the air filter protects your engine from contaminants, and having one that properly fits is essential with today’s modern, high-tech engines.  

Replacing your engine air filter can help prolong the life of your engine. You’ll both breathe better.

Today, I leave you a quote about change,

"If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one".

Duke

Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
6509687227
http://alliedautoworks.com