Filters, Filters, Filters

When you go to a garage for an oil change did you know that there are multiple filters to look at? It’s okay if you didn’t because it can be a bit confusing, especially when the stern looking technician in coveralls tells you “the filter is filthy, do you want it replaced?”

You could be easily excused for thinking that there is only one filter they could be talking about, but that’s not quite true. The first filter you need to know about is that your engine has a filter specifically for the oil and that will need to be replaced every time you get an oil change. The oil filter looks like a round cylinder and connects directly on to the engine block, as in the picture below

Regularly replacing the oil filter has many benefits: improving engine performance, protecting engine longevity, reducing emissions and providing better gas mileage. This is widely considered to be a non-optional part of the oil change process.

The other filters fall more into the optional category for replacement with every service, and those would be the cabin air filter and the engine air filter. While there is no doubt that people and engines both perform better when provided with clean air, don’t be afraid to ask to see the filter before it is replaced. You can easily find the engine air filter underneath the air intake box under your hood

Your cabin air filter is also usually easily accessible, behind the glove box on the passenger side of the vehicle. While it is good practice to replace this filter regularly, it is by no means mandatory to replace every time the vehicle is serviced.

That’s all there is to it! So next time you get an oil change and are asked about getting a filter replaced, you can confidently respond and ensure you are not being pressured into unnecessary items.

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