Tips for Checking your Vehicle's Car Filters

Your car is an important investment. One way to get more mileage out of your car is to understand the purpose and functions of the various filters which are in your vehicle. Your mechanic will be happy to point out the location and function of each filter such as oil, fuel and air filters. Each can be replaced with minimal effort, some basic automobile knowledge and a few sets of tools. Knowing how to change your filters or simply knowing when to have your filter changed and checked will preserve your engine and the life of your vehicle.

You will see immediate results after taking a little bit of time to educate yourself on how filters help the performance and mileage of your car. This knowledge also will save you money in a number of different ways. Malfunctioning air filters will cause bad engine performance, and result in bad fuel mileage. This means not only increased repair and servicing costs but also more trips to the gas station. Filters over time get clogged and dirty. When the tipping point is reached when the filter can no longer screen dirt and pollutants from the air flowing to your engine, it is worse than not even having a filter at all.

You do not need a manual to know that an air filter should be replaced every twelve months or twelve thousand miles, which ever target you reach first. A fuel filter on the other hand should be replaced every two years or in contrast, every twenty-four thousand miles. This should also be done which ever target is reached first as different people have different driving habits. The basic tools you will need on hand will include a small blunt knife, a standard sized screw driver, a standard size Phillips screw driver, and a pair of small work gloves.

Have either your mechanic, a friend or view on YouTube where your air filter is located on your particular car. You will find a small plastic box about the size of a bread box with clamps on the side. Use the blunt edged knife to open up the filter box. The air filter will be inside. If it is clean it will be white or a closer color to white. If it is brown or black, it needs to be replaced as it is full of dirt. Pop the old air filter out and replace with a new filter in the same position as the old one and reseal the filter box.

Your fuel filter will require a bit more work and you should only attempt to replace it if you are experienced enough and you are comfortable around car engines. Unlike the air filter which is in the same general location in most automobiles, the fuel filter can be located anywhere in the engine block of the vehicle or even in other parts of the vehicle depending on the make and model of the car. The important thing to remember is that your first job is to know when your fuel filter should be checked and replaced. You can always have someone else actually do the work but at least you will not be stuck being asked to purchase a service you are unsure is actually required.

If you do take it upon yourself to do any filter replacement work, you should take care to replace parts in the same manner and order that the parts were removed. Rehearse the procedure in your mind a few times or even write the steps down on paper step by step. After you have assembled all of your components back together, run the engine for about ten minutes with the hood up and check for any leaks or cracks. Also make sure that anything that is needed to be fastened is securely bolted and does not need to be adjusted or bolted again. Remembering to check your vehicle’s filters from time to time can help keep your car running in top shape.

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