How do I know if my car filters need changing?

Usually, all filters need to be changed every 12,000 miles, or roughly once a year, and keeping to this schedule will ensure your car doesn’t become damaged when a filter becomes ineffective. However, always check your car owner’s manual, as some filters may last a little longer or need replacing sooner.

For certain filters, like the oil and fuel filters, a warning light may come up on the dashboard. It’s best to get the filter changed straight away if this happens.

Other symptoms can be slightly tougher to spot. If your air conditioning doesn’t feel as powerful or cold, then the air con filter could be to blame, whereas an engine fan that stays on for a long time after the car has been driven could be a pointer towards the engine air filter not working as it should. As with many car components, preventative maintenance is always better, so it’s best to change the filters before they stop working to safeguard against any potential damage.

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