New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
Used: 435 E Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215
Sales:
(513) 741-1111
Service:
(513) 697-5200
It doesn’t matter what vehicle you drive or what you use it for—having routine service performed at regular intervals is essential. Most drivers are familiar with the basics that are commonly performed, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and brake services, but just as important is the occasional replacement of your vehicle’s air filter. Your engine is a collection of moving parts that are constantly working to allow for peak performance; just as motor oil is essential in keeping these parts lubricated to protect them from the natural heat caused by friction, your air filter plays a prominent role in keeping your engine clean.
Just like the oil in your engine, this component needs to be changed periodically to ensure an efficient engine that performs at the highest levels of expectancy. Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we offer the very best car air filter replacement in Cincinnati, so let's review how your air filter works and why it’s important to get it changed at regular intervals.
There are two distinct types of air filters relied upon for your vehicle to function properly; these are the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. Your engine requires an air intake to introduce oxygen to the fuel, which then ignites and generates your propulsion. In the old days, this was done through the use of a carburetor, but many modern vehicles rely on direct injection to supply the powertrain with this necessity. The air that gets delivered into your engine can sometimes contain a heavy amount of debris particles and other contaminants that can cause it harm, so a filtration system is essential for keeping these out of the intake system and protecting your engine.
The cabin air filter works in the same way, but it is meant to protect the interior atmosphere of your vehicle from allergens such as pollen and dust. The engine air filter protects the engine, and the cabin air filter protects the occupants. If you’re a driver or have passengers who have allergies or breathing problems, contaminated air can pose a serious health risk. For those who live in Cincinnati and have to brave the winter months, you’ve probably gotten into the habit of changing out the filter in your furnace to preserve air quality; well, the cabin air filter operates in the exact same way.
Knowing where the cabin and engine air filters are located is essential for periodically checking their condition. The precise location will vary depending on your make and model, but the engine air filter is almost always located in the exact same place. If you open up the hood of the engine compartment, you’ll see a black housing box that is normally closed down with clamps and located very close to the engine. The cover can easily be removed, and the engine air filter will be in plain sight. If you notice a lot of black spots or the filter is dark, it might be time to have it replaced.
While the engine air filter is usually easy to find and can be replaced rather quickly, the cabin air filter is somewhat difficult to get access to. Cabin air filters are usually located either behind the glove box or in the engine compartment, and some are embedded behind the dashboard. Because of their location, having them checked and replaced is best left to a professional. But don’t worry—the technicians in our service department will know where it’s located and will check it to make sure it’s in fine condition, or they'll replace it if it's in bad shape.
Having your air filter replaced varies on a few factors. These include how often you drive and what you use your vehicle for. On average, it's recommended that you change your engine's air filter every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. This is best for drivers who use their vehicles for their daily commute. However, if you’re someone who drives a longer distance or uses your vehicle for off-roading, having the filter replaced at closer intervals is essential. Because your vehicle is coming into contact with dust and debris more often, there’s a good chance that your filter will have a shorter life span. Checking the filter on a consistent basis will allow you to determine when a replacement is needed.
When it comes to the cabin air filter, the general consensus among many mechanics is that it should be replaced every twelve months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If you notice a strange odor while you're driving, or the heating or air conditioning isn’t working as well as they normally do, these are issues that can be tied to a faulty air filter. To ensure the air quality in your vehicle, it’s important that you have it checked out as soon as possible, and the team at McCluskey Chevrolet can help.
You may now have a better understanding of how your cabin and engine air filters work and how the maintenance and upkeep of both are essential. The parts and service departments at McCluskey Chevrolet are highly trained in helping our customers maintain their cars for thousands of miles. We employ the best technicians who can offer a host of services.
Oil Changes & Tire Rotations: While these are the most rote of all vehicle repairs, they’re quite possibly the most essential. The oil allows your engine to stay lubricated and reduces the amount of deposits that accumulate in your engine. Balancing and rotating your tires allows the tread to wear evenly and helps prevent a potential blowout.
Brake Services: Keeping your brakes maintained helps you to be safe on the road. Brakes are complex—made up of pads, rotors, and a master cylinder—and they operate on friction and fluid. Keeping them maintained is essential to safe driving.
Multi-Point Inspections: The modern vehicle consists of an enormous amount of parts that are required to remain in working order. A multi-point inspection is essential in ensuring that they’re all working at their very best.
Wiper Blade Replacements: Cincinnati's winters can be quite unforgiving, as can summer storms. Visibility is integral to driving, so having the right wipers to get you through any season is essential. We’ll help you choose the set that works best for you and your vehicle.
Parts & Tires: When it comes to locating the right parts and tires that will allow you to navigate in the snow and maybe even the dirt, we can be of assistance. We store and sell OEM parts, which means that you never have to worry again about repairs with less-effective aftermarket parts.
Having your engine and cabin filters replaced on a regular basis is an excellent way to keep your vehicle operating at its very best. Here at McCluskey Chevrolet, our parts and service departments are fully stocked and staffed, so you can get the most out of your vehicle. If you live in Cincinnati or the surrounding areas and have been overdue for a tune-up or inspection, call or come by our service center today.
