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Air filters and cabin filters perform different jobs in your Hyundai, but both are important. One keeps your engine clean, while the other lets you breathe more easily. Knowing what sets them apart helps you take better care of your car. Our team at Huffines Hyundai in Plano looks at the ins and outs of these two essential filters.
Understanding Air Filters and Cabin Filters
Your car's engine needs clean air as much as you do. Filters block unwanted particles, dirt, dust, and fumes from contaminating specific spaces. For each gallon of gas injected into your engine, about 10,400 gallons of air enter through the filter.
Though small, filters save you money and keep your ride smooth by trapping bits that would harm your engine or irritate your lungs. Without them, your car would run poorly, waste fuel, and fill the cabin with low-quality air.
Overview of Engine Air Filters
Engine air filters are the first line of defense for your car's engine. They trap dirt and junk before they can enter the combustion chamber. You'll usually find the engine filters in a black plastic box under the hood.
Air filters come in different shapes — conical, round, or flat — depending on your car. No matter the shape, they're all good at keeping your engine's air clean, ensuring it uses less gas and runs better.
Overview of Cabin Air Filters
Cabin air filters protect you and your passengers by cleaning the air entering your heating and air-conditioning (AC) system, catching dust, pollen, exhaust fumes, and airborne particles. These filters are flat with many folds, similar to home air filters. They're typically installed behind the glove box or under the dashboard. Without regular filter changes, the air inside your car can be up to six times dirtier than outside air.
Key Differences Between Air Filters and Cabin Filters
While both clean the air coming into your car, engine filters and cabin filters aren't the same thing.
Differences in Functionality and Location
Engine air filters block harmful particles from your motor and are easy to see under the hood, making them simple to swap out. Dirty engine air filters can affect your engine's performance significantly.
Cabin filters block pollution, pollen, and odors inside the car. If they need changing, you'll likely notice a funky smell or your allergies will start acting up while you're driving.
Materials Used in Air Filters vs. Cabin Filters
Engine air filters use sturdy pleated paper or foam that can withstand punishment and trap larger particles while maintaining good airflow. They must endure constant air pressure without breaking down or blocking the air.
Cabin filters often contain activated charcoal or odor-fighting substances and have a pleated design. This added layer not only cleans the air but eliminates smells from exhaust, roadkill, or farm areas.
When and How To Change Your Filters
It's vital to know what to do when one of your car's filters needs replacing.
Signs That Your Engine Air Filter Needs Replacement
Watch for signs that your car needs air to know when the engine air filter needs changing. Poor fuel economy, sluggish acceleration, or strange engine sounds, such as coughing or popping, can mean your engine isn't getting enough clean air. Check the filter by opening the air filter housing (the black box with clips in your engine bay). If it looks dirty or if you can't see its original color, replace it. Since these issues develop gradually, inspect the filter during every oil change.
Signs That Your Cabin Air Filter Needs Replacement
Cabin filter problems hit you right away. Weak airflow, unusual smells, foggy windows, and sneezing all point to a filter that needs changing.
Most Hyundais place the cabin filter behind the glove box or under the dash. If yours looks gray-brown instead of white, it's time for a swap. A fresh filter helps both your lungs and your car's AC system. You can also ask one of our certified technicians to check them during your next service visit.
General Guidelines for Replacement
Engine air filters typically last 15,000 to 30,000 miles, less on dirt roads or in dusty areas. Construction zones and desert driving require more frequent changes.
Cabin filters need replacing more often — Hyundai recommends every 12 months or 12,500 miles. City driving or pollen-heavy areas might need more frequent swaps. Check your owner's manual for your model's specifics, and watch how your car runs and smells.
The Consequences of Neglecting Air and Cabin Filter Maintenance
If you don't change the cabin or engine filters in your Hyundai, it can affect your car's performance and your comfort as you drive.
Effects on Engine Performance, Fuel Efficiency, and Air Quality
A clogged air filter causes your engine to struggle for oxygen, forcing it to burn extra gas while delivering less power. You'll notice this most during acceleration or hill climbing.
Beyond wasting fuel, dirty filters let harmful particles into your engine that can scratch cylinders, jam sensors, and cause extensive wear. Spending $15 on a new filter can save hundreds or thousands in future repairs.
Neglecting cabin filters brings dirty air into your car. Worn filters also cause stubborn odors, weak airflow, poor climate control, and foggy windows. Regular changes keep both your car and lungs working well.
With regular checks and timely swaps of your vehicle's filters, you'll keep your engine purring and your sinuses clear. Engine or cabin air filter replacement costs are generally quite affordable — follow your owner's manual's suggestions for replacement, and stay alert for warning signs.
Get Your Cabin and Engine Filters Checked at Huffines Hyundai Plano Today
Need a hand with your filters? Our techs at Huffines Hyundai Plano know their stuff. They can check and change your filters, making sure your car runs like a dream and keeps you breathing easily. While you're at it, check out our car care tips for more ways to keep your Hyundai running strong for years.
Image by Dylan Gillis is licensed with Unsplash License
