Complete guide on when to change car filters

Complete guide on when to change car filters  27th June 2022

The most commonly overlooked part of car servicing is changing the filters regularly. This task is a big mystery for many as to when is the right time to change a car filter and how to do it.

Timely change and maintenance of your car filters help optimise the motor parts' functionality and allow them to function efficiently. However, you need not be a mechanical whiz to notice the signs of when to change your car filters. This blog aims to help you understand the signs or hints your car gives indicating an immediate filter change.

1. Cabin filter:

A cabin filter is used to clean the inside of your car. This is done using air conditioning or heating vents. Clean air inside the vehicle is imperative for personal health and for preventing allergies and other respiratory problems. Unclean or damaged filters can block the airflow and cause visibility issues when defogging the windows.
Cabin filters must be changed every fifty thousand kilometres. Still, it is best to talk to an expert mechanic or consult the manual for recommended vehicle maintenance. If the air from the vents blows with less force or contains an unpleasant odour, your filters likely need to be changed.

2. Fuel filter:

The fuel filter helps keep dust, rust, and other impurities at bay. By removing the contaminants, this filter ensures the efficiency and performance of the engine. A clogged fuel filter can experience difficulty in the free flow of fuel, so the engine pumps harder than it needs to. It can lead to poor acceleration or a troubled start every time.
It is suggested that the fuel filters must be changed after fifty thousand kilometres. But these criteria often keep changing according to your vehicle's build and brand. If you start noticing decreased power, stalling, difficulty accelerating while going uphill, shuddering movements, and difficulty starting the engine, these are signs of a clogged fuel filter.

3. Air filter:

An air filter in the car is used to prevent insects, sand, debris, and other minute particles from entering the engine. Air filters ensure a good mixture of air and fuel to enhance the engine's performance. The cleaner the air in the engine, the more power the engine has. Good air filters also ensure better combustion, thus reducing fuel consumption. A clogged air filter leads to incomplete combustion and releases impure black smoke from the exhaust.
Air filters can be changed every twenty thousand kilometres. The interval can vary depending on the tracks you choose daily. You should reduce this interval if you drive on dirty or dusty tracks. Decreased mileage, strange noises, less power, black smoke, or strong fuel smell are symptoms of clogged air filters. You should rectify these issues immediately upon notice.

4. Oil filter:

The oil filter ensures continuous oil flow and removes dirt, impure oils, and metal particles in motor oil without hindering lubrication. All moving parts, such as the rods, shaft, etc., are protected from damage if the oil filter functions well. Change the oil filters between ten thousand kilometres to fifteen thousand kilometres.
Poor performance, metallic noises, and low oil pressure are some signs indicating a damaged oil filter.

We have discussed everything you need to know about the various car filters and their purpose. Proper maintenance and servicing are essential to keep your car in good condition. To ensure the financial coverage for your vehicle's care, always look for insurance options provided by the best car insurance company in India.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.