Just like the human body, a vehicle’s engine requires oxygen to allow it to operate.
This air needs to be cleaned before entering the engine, to stop debris, dust and pollen causing damage to the sensitive internals.
This job is carried out by the air filter.
Air Filters
The air filter is located inside a sealed box, in the engine bay, to ensure the only air entering into the engine is free from these damaging particles. It is required to be changed at certain intervals, to make sure it is operating at its peak.
If the air filter is not replaced, and allowed to block up, it can increase fuel consumption, and place additional strain on the engine and drive line components.
Read how to replace your car's air filter.
Cabin Air Filters
A second air filter is located in your vehicle - the cabin air filter.
This filter is fitted inside the air conditioning system, to filter out dirt, dust and pollen from the air entering into the cabin.
It also stops exhaust odours from working their way into the cabin where your passengers sit, and can help allergy sufferers by making car trips more pleasant.
This cabin air filter can also clog up over time, and will need to be replaced at certain intervals to maintain levels of comfort inside the cabin.
Failure to replace the cabin air filter may cause a musty smell to emanate through the air conditioning system, and make car trips unpleasant, especially on hot days!
Read how to change your car's cabin filter.
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Images: Air filters -Ryan Gsell ; Vent - FreeImages.com/Denise C
Air filters and cabin filters are often mistaken for one another because both purify the air in your car.
But these are two different types of filter with separate roles. Your vehicle relies on each, not only for best performance but also for safety.
While your air filter cleans air before it flows into your engine, your cabin filter decontaminates air that flows into your cockpit.
What Does an Air Filter Do that a Cabin Filter Can’t?
Your engine combines fuel and air to provide combustion – the air filter ensures that this air is always clean for efficient combustion. By filtering contaminants from incoming air into the engine, this filter is the primary defence against particles damaging your engine.
By maintaining clean air in the engine, your air filter also improves MPG, horsepower and torque.
Air filters can be conical, round or panel-shaped. They are usually located near the front of the engine, protected by housing. Read about the different types of air filters here.
What Does a Cabin Filter Do that an Air Filter Can’t?
The cabin filter (also known as a pollen filter) is a high particulate filtration medium. The filter blocks pollution from outside air that could otherwise contaminate your cabin, improving air quality inside your car.
By preventing pollen, mould, spores, allergens, debris and other airborne nuisances from entering your cabin, this filter prevents odours and potential allergic reactions, keeping the air in your car fresh.
The cabin filter is located near the vehicle’s internal intake, often in the glove box. It’s important to regularly check and replace your cabin filter – it’s a vital health and safety component.
Servicing Your Air Filter and Cabin Filter
In short, the air filter purifies the air that your car breathes, while the cabin filter purifies the air that your passengers breathe, both by blocking contaminants from your vehicle.
Both parts need changing every 15,000-30,000 miles (depending on driving conditions) to keep air quality at its best, protecting your vehicle, you and your passengers.
Both filters become less effective the more they fill with contaminants, so regular service checks and replacements are important. Quality filters have higher holding capacities, so go for reliable brands when you replace yours.
DIY Car Service Parts only stock trustworthy OEM and aftermarket brands.
To find air filters and cabin filters that fit your vehicle, enter your registration plate into our number plate lookup tool – we’ll find the best filters for you.
All DIY car service parts are manufactured by trusted, high-quality brands. Here are just a few of the brands that we stock.
About DIY Car Service Parts
Whether you’re changing your own car parts or saving costs by providing them to your local garage, DIY Car Service Parts is the ultimate site for easily identifying the vehicle parts that you need.
DIY Car Service Parts isn’t just about accessing car parts from the best brands at the lowest prices. With over 35 years’ experience in the automotive industry, we are experts in the car parts field. Our specialist team is on hand to answer any of your queries and offer valuable advice so that you can understand more about the ways that your car works and get savvy under the bonnet.