To keep your car safe and healthy, air filtration system service is crucial. By replacing these two air filters, your entire vehicle receives clean oxygen and your car will run as efficiently as possible.

1. Cabin Air Filter

Not all cars have a cabin air filter, but they are becoming more common. Your cabin air filter sifts out pollen, mold spores, dust, bacteria, exhaust fumes and other contaminants before they enter the ventilation system. The cabin air filter should be checked twice a year to protect your family’s safety and health.

Your driving habits also have a big role to play in the air filter’s durability. If you regularly drive down dusty roads or through construction sites, your car may be exposed to more dust and pollutants than average, requiring more frequent filter changes. If your cabin air filter becomes too congested, your health could be in jeopardy.

In fact, contaminates in the cabin can become so concentrated, more impurities are breathed in riding in the car than if you were walking on the street.

When you discover heating or cooling inefficiency, a musty or filthy smell from the air vents, or you experience sinus headaches and breathing problems while driving, your cabin air filter could be compromised. Since not every car has this filter, low-cost auto repair shops and amateur mechanics may not check your air filter as often as necessary.

If it’s been more than a year since your last air filtration system check, or you notice signs of an overfilled cabin air filter, call Christian Brothers Automotive Westchase to schedule an inspection. Our ASE-certified technicians will let you know whether your car has this filter and, if so, how often it needs replacing.

If a simple cabin filter replacement doesn’t solve your odor problem, or it isn’t time for a replacement, we may suggest our BG Frigi-Clean service! This service cleans out odors, bacteria, mold, grime and debris that have built up on your AC evaporator.

The BG Frigi-Clean service restores heating and cooling efficiency while freshening the air inside the passenger cab. The Frigi-Clean solution is directly injected into the evaporator, and quickly cleans the system of all foul smells and accumulated debris.

2. Engine Air Intake Filter

Your car may not have a cabin air filter, but all vehicles have an engine air intake filter. This element filters out dirt and debris, which can damage the engine cylinders, engine walls, pistons and piston rings. In fuel-injected vehicles, the air intake filter also keeps impurities off the airflow sensor.

Driving down the road, your car sucks in outside air. The engine filter protects the car from airborne contaminants. However, the engine filter gradually congests with dirt, dust and bugs. This reduces airflow, affects the fuel-to-air ratio and puts unnecessary strain on the vehicle. If left unchecked, a clogged filter can lead to a loss in engine power.

Like the cabin filter, driving habits impact the engine air intake filter’s life expectancy. Specific factors include the mileage, time spent driving, road conditions and type of filter used. A blocked filter decreases gas mileage and affects “driveability.” If the car hesitates while accelerating or you notice a loss in engine power, your filter is likely to blame.

Our professionals agree with most manufacturers, who suggest an air filter replacement every 10,000-30,000 miles. However, you should replace the filter if it’s torn, water or oil soaked, dirty or showing other signs of wear.

While your car’s air filters are seldom discussed, they have a substantial impact on the overall health of your engine.

Call Christian Brothers Automotive Westchase in Tampa, Florida to schedule an air filter inspection. Don’t let a blocked air filter shorten the life of your car.