Don't be confused! Air Filter and Air Conditioning Filter revealed

  bought a car that will, every time to maintenance, the master said to change the two filters, I was confused. Air filter and air conditioning filter in the end what is the difference? I believe that many new drivers have had such confusion. Today we will nag the two filters, after reading the guarantee that you are no longer confused!

  Appearance and location: a glance to recognize the difference

 (a) the difference in appearance

 air filter, at first glance, is a black rectangular box, the figure is relatively large. Its material that is called a solid and sturdy, heavy in the hand, like the engine air intake built a solid wall. This is because it has to withstand the strong airflow impact of the engine intake, without some “hard power” can not.

Then look at the air conditioning filter element, generally white rectangular, compared to the air filter element, it appears much thinner, the texture is also lighter and softer. This is because it is mainly responsible for filtering the air into the car, the working environment is relatively mild, do not need so “strong” physique.

(ii) Installation location

 air filter element lives in the engine compartment, usually near the air intake of the engine, there is a large box to protect it. It's like the engine's “exclusive gatekeeper”, guarding the engine's main air intake path, and guarding every breath of air that enters the engine. You open the engine compartment, looking along that thick intake pipe, you can find its “little nest”.

As for the air conditioning filter, it's usually hidden behind the passenger glove box, or in some models it may be under the center console. It is the “guardian” of the air inside the car, whether it is fresh air outside the car, or the air circulating inside the car, have to go through its “security check” in order to enter the car, to create a fresh breathing environment for us.

  Core role: the protection of different objects

 (a) air filter: the engine's “patron saint” engine

 this thing, like the heart of the car, work that is called a “big gasp”, the need for a large amount of fresh air to participate in the combustion, in order to give the car provides a A large amount of fresh air is needed to participate in combustion in order to provide the car with a constant flow of power. The air filter, is this fresh air “quality inspector”. Its main task is to filter out impurities in the air, like dust, sand, pollen and these gadgets, all do not want to escape its “eyes”.

If the air filter element “strike”, or not changed for a long time, become dirty, filtering effect greatly reduced, then these impurities will take the opportunity to mix into the engine. This is like letting a dusty person directly into a clean room, the consequences are unimaginable. Impurities into the engine, will be in close contact with various parts, constant friction, like sandpaper in the sanding, over time, the cylinder will be scratched, pistons, valves, these precision parts will be severely worn, which is what we often say that the engine pulls the cylinder. Engine pulling is not a small matter, not only will lead to a decline in power, the car runs softly, slow pickup like a snail, but also increase fuel consumption, so that your wallet quickly deflated. More serious, the engine may directly “strike”, throwing you in the middle of the road, calling the sky and the earth. Therefore, the air filter for the engine, that is life support, is absolutely can not be ignored important parts.

(B) air conditioning filter: the air inside the car “purifier” and then

 talk about the air conditioning filter, which is mainly responsible for the air quality inside our car. When we turn on the air conditioning cooling or heating, or open the external cycle, the outside air will pour into the car. And this air may hide a variety of “little monsters”, such as pollen, dust, bacteria, industrial emissions, and even odors. At this time, the air conditioning filter comes forward, like a loyal defender, these “little monsters” are intercepted outside.

Imagine, in the pollen flying spring, if there is no air conditioning filter, you open the window, pollen will be a brain into the car, so you keep sneezing, runny nose, eyes also itchy; in the haze days, no air conditioning filter, the car will be filled with pungent flavor, dust will be covered in all corners, breathing has become unsmooth. With the air conditioning filter, it is like an efficient air purifier, which can filter out all these harmful substances and odors, creating a fresh and comfortable car environment for us. It is not only related to our riding experience, but also to our health. Especially for the elderly, children and people with allergies, a clean air environment in the car is especially important. Therefore, the air conditioning filter is also an important guarantee of our health travel, can not underestimate it.

  Replacement cycle and maintenance: each has its own tricks

 (a) air filter replacement points

 air filter replacement cycle is not fixed, it is like a “chameleon”, will be adjusted according to your car environment. If you are in the city every day on the road shuttle, around the air quality is quite reasonable, then the air filter is generally 2 - 30,000 kilometers to replace a time can be. There is dust in the city, but it's nothing compared to those special environments.

But if you drive a lot in dusty places, such as the edge of the desert or near construction sites, then the air filter will suffer, and it won't take long for it to be covered with a thick layer of dust. In this case, you may have to change it once every few thousand kilometers, or even more often. Because a large amount of sand and dust, if not stopped by the air filter element, will rush into the engine, causing serious damage to the engine. Therefore, driving in dusty areas, we must pay more attention to the condition of the air filter and replace it in time.

In addition to judging based on driving mileage, we can also regularly check the status of the air filter element. Open the engine compartment, find the box of the air filter element, open it and take a look. If you find that the surface of the filter element has turned black and the dust has piled up densely, it is reminding you that it is time to change the filter element. Gently pat the filter element with your hand, if the dust that falls off is particularly heavy, it also means that it is already overburdened and needs to be retired.

(B) air conditioning filter replacement recommendations

 air conditioning filter replacement frequency also have to pay attention to. Generally speaking, it is recommended to replace it at least twice a year, preferably in spring and fall, when the seasons change. These two seasons, the air in the pollen, willow and other allergens more, and temperature changes, air conditioning use frequently, air conditioning filter is easily dirty. Replacing the air conditioning filter in a timely manner allows us to breathe fresh air while enjoying comfortable temperatures.

If you live in an area with high humidity and haze, the air conditioning filter needs to be replaced more often. Humid air is prone to bacteria and mold, and haze contains a lot of harmful particles, all of which will make the air conditioning filter element lose its filtering effect more quickly. In such an environment, it may be necessary to change the air conditioning filter once in three months to ensure the quality of air in the car.

In addition, we can also determine whether we need to change the air conditioning filter through some small details. When you turn on the air conditioning, feel a strange smell in the car, like the smell of mold or dust, it means that the air conditioning filter has been hiding dirt, need to be replaced quickly. Also, if you find that the air volume of the air conditioning is significantly smaller, even if the wind speed is adjusted to the maximum, the air volume is still very small, this may also be the air conditioning filter clogging caused by the replacement of the need to change, do not hesitate.

  Replacement: Do-it-yourself, save money and peace of mind

 (a) air filter replacement steps

 in many models to replace the air filter is not difficult, and even do not need to use tools, bare hands can be completed. First, open the engine compartment cover and find the box where the air filter is located, usually on the side of the engine compartment, it is easy to find. In some models, the air filter box is fixed with a carabiner, this is the easiest, gently break the carabiner, you can open the lid. Some are fixed with screws, this time you need to take out a screwdriver and unscrew the screws.

Once you open the cover, you can see the old air filter element, take it out. If the filter element is not particularly dirty, you can use compressed air to blow it from the inside out to get rid of the dust on it, and it will continue to work for a while. If the cartridge is already black and covered with dust, don't hesitate to get a new one.

In the installation of the new cartridge, pay attention to the direction of the general cartridge will have an arrow mark, the direction of the arrow is the direction of the airflow, in accordance with this direction to put the new cartridge, and then put the lid cover, buckle or screw, it is done. The whole process is simple and quick, do-it-yourself, not only to save a replacement cost, but also to experience the fun of doing it.

(B) air conditioning filter replacement method

 air conditioning filter replacement location is usually behind the passenger glove box. First, open the glove box. Some glove boxes have a damper or a small hook on the side of the glove box, which needs to be removed so that the glove box can be opened completely. Then, on the sides of the glove box, you'll find some snaps or fixtures, loosen or push these down and the glove box can be removed.

Once the glove box is removed, you will be able to see the air conditioning filter box. Open the lid of the filter cartridge box, which is also usually secured by snaps or screws, in a similar way to opening the air filter cartridge box. Pull out the old air conditioning filter, and you'll notice that it's probably already covered in dust, hair, and all sorts of debris.

Next, insert the new air conditioning filter. Pay special attention here, the air conditioning filter element is also marked with an arrow, be sure to follow the direction indicated by the arrow installation, that is, the direction of air flow, installed in the opposite direction will not be able to achieve the effect of filtration. After installing the new filter element, cover the filter box lid, and then put the glove box back on, stuck the clips or hung on the damper, the air conditioning filter element replacement is complete.

Air filter and air conditioning filter, although the name sounds similar, but their role, replacement cycle and replacement methods are very different. The air filter element guards the health of the engine, and the air conditioning filter element takes care of our breathing. Regular replacement of these two filters will not only keep our cars in good condition and extend their service life, but also protect our own health and that of our family.

Car owners and friends, do not ignore these two small filter element! Adopt the good habit of regular inspection and replacement of the filter element, so that our travel is both safe and comfortable.