What You Need to Know About Your Vehicle’s Filters

No matter what type of vehicle you drive—from luxury European automobiles to domestic cars and trucks to hybrids and electrics—there will certain types of filters that require routine inspection and maintenance. Not all filters are the same and they come in many different sizes and configurations. When attempting to replace any filter yourself, always make sure you know what you are doing and use the proper type of filter for your car.
 
Here are the four main vehicle filters every car owner should know about:
 
1. Engine Oil Filter
 
When you get a standard oil change, a key part of the process is replacing the old oil filter with a new one (in addition to changing out the motor oil itself). The oil filter helps keeps the oil that is running through the engine clean and free of contaminants. If the oil isn’t pure, the engine won’t run as smoothly and it can lead to significant engine damage. Oil changes should happen every 3,000-6,000 miles depending on the make, model, age and engine type. Some newer vehicles may only need an oil and filter change every 10,000 miles.
 
2. Engine Air Filter
 
Most cars have an air intake system that provides fresh air and oxygen to the engine. The oxygen is vital to the internal combustion process. An air filter helps keep the air going into the engine clean. As you might expect, the filters can get dirty and clogged over time. This keeps the proper amount of air from entering the combustion chamber. They can also crack and develop holes if they get really old (especially in extra dry or extra wet environments), which can lead to contaminants like dirt, debris and grease getting into the engine and causing problems. Most engine air filters will need to be replaced every 15,000-30,000 miles depending on a variety of factors. It’s good to get it checked with each service visit and replaced as needed.
 
3. Fuel Filter
 
Electric vehicle owners don’t need to worry about this one, but any vehicle with a fuel system will have a fuel filter that filters contaminants out of the fuel supply as it is fed into the engine for combustion. If the fuel filter is clogged, old or damaged in anyway, it won’t be good for your engine! A standard fuel system service will involve cleaning the fuel lines and replacing the fuel filter.
 
4. Cabin Air Filter
 
This filter won’t necessarily affect the performance of your car in any way. However, it’s good for your health and comfort inside the vehicle. It is connected to the vents and air conditioning system to filter out dirt, dust and other nasty stuff that you don’t really want to breathe while driving. It doesn’t need to be replaced nearly as often as the engine air filter, but it should be checked regularly and replaced as needed. If you notice funky smells or it seems like you are getting a lot of dust coming through the vents, then it’s probably time to change out your cabin air filter.
Maintenance

When to Replace Your Tires

New tires are an inevitable expense, but telling when it’s time to get new tires may not be widespread knowledge to all drivers. Conflicting information from friends and family, from what you read online, etc. may make diagnosing your tire situation a dubious task.

Here are the five telltale signs you should check to determine if you need new tires.

1. Low tire tread depth
To test tire tread depth insert a quarter upside down into the tread. If it doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it means the tread is less than 4/32 of an inch deep, and it’s about time to bite the bullet and get new tires. In many states, just 2/32 of an inch is considered the minimum legal tread depth. However, more tread is safer.

Tests conducted showed a car going 70 miles per hour with tread of 2/32 of an inch took 5.9 seconds to stop and required a distance nearly double that of a vehicle with new tires. Meanwhile, with treads that were 4/32 of an inch, while it still took 100 feet more to stop and 1.2 seconds longer, this was much better than what was achieved with the minimal 2/32 of an inch tread.

2. Tires are old
No matter how rock-solid the tires were when you first purchased them, time leaves its mark. With age, rubber becomes brittle. In addition, the tire’s reinforcing cords can weaken over time. It’s important to know how often to replace your tires. Even if the tread appears intact, most manufacturers advise you to replace your tires after six years.

If you look at the side of the tire, you’ll see the manufacturer’s code. The last four numbers here indicate the production date. If this is 3009, for example, it means that the tire was produced in the 30th week of 2009 and it may be time to get new tires. In more severe climates where you may routinely deal with extreme heat, the ultraviolet rays of the sun may impart structural changes in your tires. This may mean that you will have to make the change sooner.

3. Tire sidewall cracking
Look beyond the tread to the sidewall of the tires. Are there any noticeable cuts or grooves? If so, you may be wise to purchase new tires, since these can be signs that a leak is developing or that the tire is weakening and may soon blowout.

4. Bulge in tire sidewall
If the tire has begun to weaken, sometimes the rubber may begin to bulge. This is a red flag, indicating that the tire has begun to fail and may unexpectedly blow out at any time, putting you and your passengers in jeopardy.

5. Vibrations while driving
Has the ride recently seemed very rough or have you noticed vibrations while driving? If so, this can be a sign that your tires are indeed shot, and it’s time to put aside your skepticism and get new ones.

Maintenance

Most Important Car Maintenance Tips

Basic vehicle maintenance keeps your car running smoothly and can prevent breakdowns and even accidents. Some of these tasks you can do yourself, while others require taking your vehicle to a mechanic for annual car maintenance. Your manufacturers’ handbook will let you know how often regular maintenance is needed and the frequency that your car will need to be serviced. Follow these car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in good working order:

Tip 1: Take Care of Your Tires
Keeping your tires in good condition isn’t just important for vehicle maintenance. Tires in poor condition pose a dangerous threat to the safety of you and your loved ones. Here are a few tire care items to be mindful of:

Tire pressure – Check your tires’ pressure at least once a month. Underinflated tires affect your fuel efficiency and cost you money.
Tire rotation – Rotate the tires every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Tire condition – Inspect your tires regularly – at the same time you’re checking the tread – for any signs of bulges or bald spots. If you spot any of these danger signs, have the tire replaced as soon as possible.
Uneven wear – Uneven wear on a tire indicates wheel alignment problems. Have the wheels aligned properly as soon as possible.
Spare tire – It’s easy to forget that spare tire stuck in the back of your car. Check it at least once a month to ensure it’s usable if you find yourself having to replace a flat.

Tip 2: Check Fluids
At least every 5,000 miles, check and refill your fluids. These include:

Changing the oil
Checking brake, coolant and/or antifreeze, transmission, washer and power steering fluids.

Tip 3: Check the Battery
When your battery goes dead, you’re stuck. Checking the battery regularly can help you avoid this uncomfortable situation.

You can have your mechanic check the battery or do it yourself via a car battery tester.

Tip 4: Check the Lights
Check your exterior and interior lights regularly.

Besides the headlights, make sure your indicators, brake lights and fog lights are in good working order.

Tip 5: Get an Annual Inspection
At least once a year, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, take your car in for servicing. Your mechanic will check the fuel filters, brake pads and spark plugs and replace them if needed.

The mechanic will also flush the radiator to get rid of the old fluid and replace it with new fluid.

Other annual maintenance includes checking the ABS sensor, timing belt and fuel pressure regulator.

Maintenance