Most people aren't aware of the different types of filters that keep their car running smoothly. Learn more about them in this post.

The Different Types of Filters That Keep Your Car Running

If you don't know much about all the filters hiding out somewhere in your car, you're not alone. What's important is that you understand that each one serves a specific purpose that is essential to your car's performance and well-being. To learn more about what each filter does, continue reading.

Air Filter

Your car's air filter is located in the engine and is in charge of cleaning the air that makes it into your vehicle's engine. More specifically, the air filter traps and holds onto dust, dirt, and other abrasive particles that can affect the combustion that goes on in the engine. If combustion isn't happening smoothly, this can negatively affect your car's performance. How often you will need to change your air filter will depend on a number of factors. It's usually recommended that you change it every year, but if you're regularly driving through areas with high pollution or that are very dusty, you will need to change it more often. Air filters are made of different materials and some can actually be cleaned out, helping extend their life a bit more. They will, however, need to be changed at some point. Driving with a full air filter can reduce your fuel efficiency and can negatively affect your engine's performance.

Oil Filter

Another filter that is also located in your vehicle's engine is the oil filter. This filter does what its name states: it filters your engine's oil. As your engine works, your oil runs through it in order to keep its moving parts lubricated and working smoothly. Even so, the tiny metal parts in your engine may still come into contact with each other, resulting in metal shavings and other debris contaminating your oil. This is where your oil filter comes in. As your oil runs through it, it picks up and traps these contaminants, helping to keep your oil cleaner. This results in a better-protected engine that is able to run better for longer. There are different types of oil filters with different particle retention rates and lifespans, so be sure to do a bit of research before choosing just any. Not sure how often to change your oil filter? For the best results, change it with every oil change. Another thing that can help your car stay in better shape for longer is a synthetic oil change in San Diego, CA. To find the perfect AMSOIL Oil for your car, contact Synthetic Oil Inc at (800) 653-0323. To browse a full range of their products, head over to their online shop.

Fuel Filter

Your fuel filter works hard to keep dirt and other debris from making it to your engine. In gasoline-powered vehicles, the fuel filter traps and removes dirt and other debris present in the fuel used to power your car. Diesel powered engines work a bit differently, and in turn, so do their fuel filters. In diesel-powered vehicles, the fuel filter removes water in order to prevent potential corrosion in the engine. No matter what type of engine you're working with, it's important to change this filter when it's getting full. Driving around with a clogged or full filter can result in a smaller amount of fuel making it to your engine. This can reduce fuel efficiency and negatively affect your car's performance. Generally speaking, you should change your fuel filter every one to two years, but for the most accurate information, consult your owner's manual.

Cabin Air Filter

Your cabin air filter is different from the air filter we previously discussed. Because of this, it's important that you maintain both of them in order to keep your car working well. The cabin air filter is also in charge of filtering out dust, dirt, and other debris being sucked into your car from outside. The difference is that these air filters clean out the air going into your car's cabin. They keep you breathing clean air that isn't contaminated no matter how bad the air is outside of your car. For the best results, change yours out every year.

Synthetic Oil Change in San Diego, CA

If it's time for your next oil change, be sure to make it a synthetic oil change in San Diego, CA. Get the best results by using a synthetic oil like AMSOIL Oil's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil. To find this oil and more like it, contact Synthetic Oil Inc at (800) 653-0323.