Is Air Filter and Engine Air Filter the Same? A Comprehensive Guide

Learn about what makes an engine air filter different from a cabin air filter and how often you should replace them.

Is Air Filter and Engine Air Filter the Same? A Comprehensive Guide

Are air filter and engine air filter the same? This is a common question that many car owners have. The answer is no, they are not the same. While they may look similar, they serve different purposes. The cabin air filter filters the air inside your car, making it cleaner for you to breathe.

On the other hand, the engine air filter keeps the air going to the engine cleaner. The cabin air filter is placed in the mouth of the heater box to treat air entering the passenger compartment. This filter removes dust, soot, pollen and other environmental allergens to continuously provide fresh, clean air to the cabin space. It is important to replace this filter regularly, as the element becomes filled with particles and becomes much less effective.

Dirty cabin air filters not only lower the efficiency of your heating and air conditioning system, but also allow allergens to infiltrate your airspace. An air cleaner element is exactly the same as an air cleaner. Your automotive technician will check the air filter for excessive debris and suggest a replacement as needed to keep the engine running smoothly. It can be difficult to control the pollutants that pass through your vehicle, so the cabin air filter works hard to keep your driving experience safe, comfortable and healthy.

Like a cabin air filter, things build up in the engine air filter over time that can cause problems for your vehicle in the future if they are not taken care of. Without a clean air filter in place, your vehicle's engine could suffer damage or decrease its efficiency, as dirt particles prevent complete combustion. The rate of necessary engine air filter replacement depends on the type of vehicle. As the name suggests, this air filter is located inside the engine to keep harmful debris out of this system.

We expect drivers in most cases to spend more than a year, at least, and probably more than two years between air filter changes, depending on conditions and mileage. A clogged engine air filter reduces performance, increases emissions and increases fuel consumption. To keep dust and dirt out of the engine, the engine air filter is placed in the front and center of the intake. The cabin air filter should also be changed periodically, but at a different time than the engine air cleaner.

A cabin air filter is a filter located behind the glove compartment, under the hood, or under the dashboard, depending on the vehicle, and is designed to remove dust, pollen, and other airborne contaminants from the interior of the vehicle. So when it comes time for your vehicle's service appointment, make sure they check both your cabin filter and engine air filter and see if they need to be replaced. Like a cabin air filter, things build up in an engine air filter over time that can cause problems for your vehicle in the future if they are not taken care of.