Engine Air Filter vs. Cabin Air Filter

Hand removing cabin air filter
 

Keeping up to date with your MINI Cooper maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure that you enjoy smooth and efficient performance on Minnetonka-area roads. Along with routine oil changes and tire rotations, you’ll also want to make sure that your car air filters are regularly replaced. How many air filters does a car have? Just about all vehicles have two air filters: an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. Learn more about car air filters in this cabin air filter vs. engine air filter guide from the experts at Motorwerks MINI. If it’s time to replace your car air filters, schedule a service appointment with our service center in Golden Valley today!

 

 

What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?

What’s the difference between a cabin air filter vs. engine air filter? A cabin air filter cleans the air that passes through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Its job is to keep dirt, dust, pollen, and other contaminants from getting inside the cabin. Your cabin air filter will inevitably get clogged over time, which will affect the air quality inside your car. Some signs that you need a new cabin air filter include:

  • Reduced air flow when climate control systems are on
  • Lingering unpleasant odors
  • Increasing dust settling on vehicle surfaces

It is generally recommended that yourcabin air filter be replaced every 15,000 miles, but you should check your owner’s manual for model-specific service intervals.

What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

What’s the difference between an engine air filter vs. cabin air filter? An engine air filter works to keep dirt, dust, sand, and other contaminants from getting inside the engine. Just as with a cabin air filter, an engine air filter can get dirty and clogged over time, which will negatively affect your vehicle’s performance on the roads in and around St Louis Park. Some of the warning signs that indicate your engine air filter should be replaced include:

  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Misfiring spark plugs
  • Black smoke from the exhaust
  • Service Engine light comes on

How often should you change the engine air filter? The schedule varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but most automakers recommend that a new engine air filter be installed every 30,000 to 45,000 miles. Again, you should consult your owner’s manual for specifics.

Get Professional MINI Cooper Service at Motorwerks MINI

How many air filters does a car have? Just two, but they are both important components of your vehicle. We hope that our engine air filter vs. cabin air filter guide has adequately explained the difference between car air filters. If you have further questions about cabin air filters vs. engine air filters, please feel free to contact our service team. If you plan on changing your car air filters on your own, we carry genuine MINI Cooper cabin and engine air filters in our parts center, and you can order car air filters from us online. Meanwhile, make sure to check out our current service coupons and parts specials to take advantage of some of the best deals in the Minneapolis area.

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