How many air filters does a car have?

Author: Haven Krajcik  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

Most modern cars have two air filters — the cabin air filter and the engine air filter, which filter the air coming into your vehicle's cabin and engine, respectively. The cabin filter helps maintain the air quality inside your car by capturing pollutants like dust and allergens before they reach your nostrils!

Does your car have 2 air filters?

Most cars have two air filters: an engine air filter and a cabin air filter. As the names suggest, your engine air filter cleans the air circulating your engine—protecting it from bugs, dirt, dust, and other potentially harmful contaminants.

What is the difference between cabin filter and air filter?

Cabin Air Filter: Your cabin air filter is used for keeping the air inside your cabin clean. This filter cleans the air that passes through your heating and cooling systems. Engine Air Filter: The engine air filter cleans the air inside the engine to keep it free from dirt and debris.

What is the difference between a fuel filter and an air filter?

The air filter removes particles from the air traveling into the engine, and the fuel filter does the same for the fuel. But once the filters remove these particles, the harmful substances remain in the filters unless and until somebody replaces them.

Is the air filter and AC filter the same in a car?

A cabin air filter cleans the air that passes through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. An engine air filter keeps dirt, dust, sand, and other contaminants from getting inside the engine.

Why It's Important To Check or Replace Your Engine Air Filter

How much does it cost to replace the air filter in a car?

Replacing your car's air filter can cost anywhere from $20-$50, depending on the type of vehicle you have and the quality of filter. A high-quality filter will ensure better airflow, engine performance, and fuel economy — so it's worth investing in a reliable one!

What is the filter under the hood called?

An engine air filter helps to keep dirt, buildup, and debris from getting into your vehicle's engine system. Just like a cabin air filter, over time things build up in the filter that can cause problems for your vehicle down the road if they're not taken care of.

What are the 4 filters in a car?

Every car has four main filters: the cabin filter, oil filter, fuel filter and air filter. The function of all these filters is to enable flows and catch impurities: the dust and contaminants in the air, the impurities in the fuel or the dirt in the motor oil.

How often should air filters be changed?

The general recommendation for how often to change air filters can range from every 30 days to every year. Two of the determining factors for a filter's lifespan are the type and quality of the filter that is being used.

What are the symptoms of a dirty fuel filter?

Symptoms of a Clogged Fuel Filter
  • Difficulty starting. A diesel engine that does not receive adequate fuel can be hard to start.
  • Engine misfiring. ...
  • Rough idling. ...
  • Poor engine performance. ...
  • Poor fuel economy. ...
  • Whining and unusual sounds.

What happens if you never change your cabin filter?

Mold can build up on the filter if you don't change it, which can cause bad odors and smells. Mold is also extremely unhealthy to breathe in, as it can make a person very sick. But by replacing the cabin air filter regularly, you can avoid breathing in that unhealthy mold and keep your cabin smelling fresh.

Where is the engine air filter located?

Most engine filters are located under the hood toward the front of the vehicle, but consult your owner's manual for the exact location and method for replacement.

How much does a cabin and engine air filter cost?

They might look very similar in some instances, but there are differences between them. The engine air filter has a huge price range with most costing between $10 and $80, and most cabin air filters are between $15 and $50 for the parts alone.

How many air filters are in a vehicle?

Most modern cars have two air filters — the cabin air filter and the engine air filter, which filter the air coming into your vehicle's cabin and engine, respectively. The cabin filter helps maintain the air quality inside your car by capturing pollutants like dust and allergens before they reach your nostrils!

Does Jiffy Lube change engine air filter?

With a trained eye, our Jiffy Lube® Technicians can replace your engine air filter, ensuring you and your vehicle get the cleanest air possible.

How to tell if a car air filter needs replacing?

A Dirty or Discolored Filter

A clean air filter is usually white or tan. Over time when dirt and grime accumulate on it, it turns dark brown or black. Always check your filter in a well-lit area. If your filter is dirtier than usual, it's time to replace it.

What happens if you don't change your car air filter?

Neglecting your air filter can lead to several issues. Over time, it can cause reduced fuel efficiency, diminished horsepower, and even engine damage. Keeping up with this small maintenance task can save you from more significant, expensive problems.

What are the symptoms of a dirty air filter?

How Can You Tell if Your Air Filter Is Dirty?
  • Reduced Gas Mileage. ...
  • Strange Engine Noises. ...
  • Decreased Performance. ...
  • Check Engine Light Comes On. ...
  • Black Smoke or Flames in the Exhaust. ...
  • The Smell of Petrol in the Exhaust. ...
  • Your Engine Misses or Misfires. ...
  • Loss of Acceleration.

How often should I change the AC filter in my car?

The rule of thumb for how often to change cabin air filters is every 15,000 miles. Some Purchase drivers encounter scenarios where their air filter works harder such as when going off-roading or when driving in locations with dirt or gravel roads. In these cases, you'll need to change your air filter sooner.

Are oil filter and engine air filter the same?

Oil filters remove contaminants from engine oil, ensuring smooth engine operation and longevity. On the other hand, air filters prevent dust, dirt, and debris from entering the engine, which is vital for optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Both filters need regular replacement for a well-functioning vehicle.

What filters are changed in a full service?

The service will also include changes to engine oil, oil filters, and air filters. During a full service, a mechanic will analyse all the vital parts of the car, along with the safety and mechanical systems.

What are the 2 filters you change in a car?

All vehicles have four, main filters that should be replaced regularly. The air filter, cabin filter, oil filter, and fuel filter catch impurities and contaminants within the systems they are located.

Does Jiffy Lube change the cabin air filter?

Visit your local Jiffy Lube® for a replacement cabin air filter and help improve the performance and longevity of your vehicle's ventilation system.

When you get an oil change, do they change the air filter?

Over time, these filters can become clogged and need replacement. As part of the oil change service, many mechanics will check your vehicle's engine and cabin air filters and suggest replacements if necessary.

Which is more important, a cabin or engine air filter?

The cabin air filter purifies air circulating through the HVAC systems, ensuring a clean interior environment. Conversely, the engine air filter shields the engine from dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Join us as we explore these crucial components and learn when and how to replace them effectively.

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