Wrecks Corner
A semi regular outpouring of all things cars and collision including, but not limited to opinions, peeves and ponderings brought to you by Rex Impact of Collision Centers of America.
Filter This!
So a friend of mine asked me the other day … “Rex, how many filters are there in a typical car?” My answer is usually four. Now, I’m not counting the one that some of you “Road Ragers” need to install .. you know, the verbal filter you should have on hand while driving, especially if there are young ears around? But the ones for fluids and air that come equipped in most modern vehicles today.
Your car is typically the second largest financial investment you will make. And with proper and timely replacement of these four critical filters, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.
Auto filters are like the liver and kidneys of your car and are just as vital to the health of your vehicle. They are designed to prevent unwanted and damaging particles from entering your engine and in one case your lungs.
So here they are in no particular order … get it it? … Filters … particular? Oh never mind .. it’s a mechanic joke. Let’s start with your fuel.
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Fuel Filter: The purpose of your Fuel Filter is to clean the gas in your car and stop particles from clogging the fuel injectors. It will also keep the fuel pump from over-working. Changing this important filter can improve the speed and power of your vehicle, reduce fuel waste by enabling a more complete burn and save you money with improved fuel efficiency.
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Oil Filter: Motor oil is the most important fluid in your vehicle. Oil does two things in your car. Primarily it stops all the metal surfaces in your engine from grinding together and tearing themselves apart from friction, but it also transfers heat away from the combustion cycle. Dirty oil can lead to overheating, excessive wear and in extreme cases, total engine failure. Your oil filter works to keep small particles from getting into the internal components of your cars engine.
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Engine Air Filter: The Engine Air Filter cleans the air your engine breathes. Yes, your engine breathes … not like you and me of course, but in order for fuel to burn efficiently, it must be mixed with air. Clean air is required. The air filter removes small, damaging particles from the air your car sucks in to mix with fuel in the carburetor or injector, which would otherwise cause harm to your engine. Changing your Engine Air Filter regularly will ensure you get better performance and fuel economy too.
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Cabin Air Filter: The Cabin Air Filter is just like the Engine Air Filter, only it cleans the air you breathe. This filter is designed to keep out harmful pollutants like dust, pollution, pollen, and spores. When this filter is clogged, you can tell because your car starts to smell a little funky. Those musty odors are a signal that your cabins internal air may actually be unsafe for you to breathe. Mold and other nasty allergens could be finding their way into your lungs, so change this filter when you change the others for a healthy car … and a healthy you.
Stop by any one of our 24 CCA locations and ask about a quick filter check. If you can’t remember the last time you changed any of them … it’s time. And yes, I said 24 locations. We just open another shop in Berwyn, IL. We’ll be announcing another couple in the coming weeks too. Dave Mulder, founder and President of CCA (and my boss) has been at this game for almost 38 years and is still adding shops. “Can’t get too much of a good thing,” is what I always say … well, somebody else said it actually, but I always repeat it. Anyway, stay safe, drive defensively and if you feel like dropping me a line or just commenting on my ramblings here … please do so in the space provided below. Until next time …
See you at the corner …
Rex
