Editor’s Note: Originally published in April 2022, this blog was updated in March 2026 with the latest information and enhanced tips to better serve our customers.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why clean air, cabin, fuel, and oil filters are crucial for your car’s performance.
- How each filter affects fuel efficiency, engine health, and your comfort.
- Simple tips for checking and replacing your filters on schedule.
- How Car-Mart’s optional Service Contract Plus can help keep your vehicle running smoothly.
It’s the perfect time to change the four filters in your vehicle, including air, cabin, fuel and oil. These filters keep the crud – dust and contaminants – from negatively affecting your engine, oil, fuel and inside the cabin. Clean filters can enhance the overall performance of your vehicle, increase fuel efficiency, and may even save you from unnecessary costly repairs.
Let’s look at each of the filters:
Air Filter – allows your engine to breathe!
Located under the hood next to the engine’s intake manifold.
The air filter prevents insects, dust, particles, and other debris from reaching the engine. It should be checked at least once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. Driving on dusty roads may require changing the air filter more frequently.
A clean air filter will improve airflow to your engine, so your car doesn’t have to work as hard. And it will help your vehicle burn less gas.
Cabin Filter – keeps the air inside your vehicle fresh and clean!
Located behind the glove box (but check your vehicle’s manual).
If the cabin filter gets dirty, it can cause your air conditioning to work harder than necessary, which can eventually cause damage to your heating and cooling system.
Having clean air in your car is particularly important if you have any allergies or respiratory problems.
Check out our blog – Hah-choo! It’s allergy season – on the importance of changing out the cabin air filter.
Fuel Filter – keeps fuel running smoothly to the engine!
Located under the hood between your fuel tank and engine.
The fuel filter removes impurities such as dust, rust and grit contained in the fuel. When your filter is clogged the fuel pump works much harder and you may have problems starting or accelerating the car. And you may notice stalling.
Changing the fuel filter keeps the fuel injectors clean longer, which means more power, better gas mileage and longer engine life.
Oil Filter – maintains clean, continuous oil flow to your engine!
Located under the hood beside the oil pan.
The oil filter purifies the oil, making it more efficient. If little specks of hard substances get into the oil stream they can rub up and down against vital pieces of machinery and can wear them out much faster. The oil filter should be changed at each oil change.
A clean oil filter will reduce engine wear and increase its lifespan.
Bottom line, clean filters are vital for the smooth-running and general well-being of your vehicle.
Want to know more about vehicle maintenance?
Click and learn:
- 8 Things to Know about Your Vehicle Oil Changes
- 6 Warning Signs about your Brakes
- Car-Mart’s 10 Basic Maintenance Tips
- 6 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Battery
- The Importance of Wiper Blades
Also remember, Car-Mart has you covered with our optional Service Contract Plus – added protection with three tiers of repair service including oil changes and roadside assistance.
America’s Car-Mart is proud to offer helpful tips that keep you on the road. From regular maintenance to optional protection plans, we’re here to support you in your journey.
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