When To Change Car Filters Guide

Euro Car Parts Filters

Knecht Filters at Euro Car Parts

All combustion engine vehicles are comprised of four main filter systems: an air filter, pollen filter, oil filter, and a fuel filter. Filters play a significant role in keeping you and your passengers safe, as well as ensuring the engine operates smoothly.

At Euro Car Parts, we carry a huge range of high-quality filters from industry-leading brands, and we’re proud to stock Knecht filters. Founded in 1899, there are still 2,155 patented technologies attributed to Knecht in use, including plastic air filters, and eco filter elements.

In this guide, we go into more detail on the several types of car filters and explain their function within your vehicle.

Are MAHLE and Knecht the Same?

Both MAHLE and Knecht are excellent filters that are designed to prevent contaminates from entering a vehicle’s lubrication system, to regulate oil quality, and maintain efficiency of performance. 

However, there’s often some confusion between the two. In fact, Knecht has been a part of the MAHLE group since 1993 and Knecht products continue to be produced in accordance with the strict international quality standards – for optimum results. 

All filters should be replaced in line with vehicle manufacturer service intervals. This could be time or mileage, (whichever comes first).  The below are a list of additional factors that could require the replacement of your vehicle’s filters. If you are ever unsure, please contact your local garage, or use our Fit It For Me Service to have your filter fitted at an approved workshop.

When To Change an Air Filter

Knecht Air Filter

Air filters are designed to keep dust, soot and debris from reaching the engine. Generally speaking, you should change your vehicle’s air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. Having said that, it will depend on your vehicle’s age, make, and model – meaning you should always check your owner’s manual to be certain. Are you unsure when to replace your air filter? Here are some clear signs to look out for:

  • Examine your air filter – does it look discoloured or dirty?
  • Strange noises coming from the engine (e.g. spitting or popping sounds). This could be caused by a blockage in your air filter
  • When you notice the ‘Check Engine’ light appear
  • A change in your vehicle’s performance. Perhaps your car is struggling to reach high speeds
  • Black smoke coming from the exhaust
  • Poor fuel economy

When To Change an Oil Filter

Knecht Oil Filter

Experts within the car industry recommend that drivers should replace their oil filter every three months or 3,000 miles. This is to ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and removes any pollutants from the oil in your engine. Here are a few more instances when you should change your oil filter:

  • Service engine light switches on
  • Heavy braking and accelerating. This can cause your vehicle to require an oil change more regularly
  • Driving in harsh weather conditions can have a detrimental impact to your oil filter
  • During an engine oil change to prevent contamination of the fresh oil

When To Change a Pollen Filter or Cabin Filter

Knecht Pollen Filter

Designed with an electrostatic paper filter, the primary purpose of a pollen filter (sometimes known as a cabin filter) is to remove dust and plant particles, like pollen, fungus, as well as any dangerous exhaust fumes. This helps keep the driver and passengers safe from any harmful pollutants they may encounter.

The pollen filter should be changed every two years, however if you drive in a densely populated area like in a city, then this should be completed annually. Here are some clear indications that it’s time to change your pollen filter:

  • Unpleasant odours lingering inside your car
  • Reduced air flow
  • Dust settling inside your vehicle
  • Always check your owner’s manual if you’re unsure

When To Change a Fuel Filter

Knecht Fuel Filter

Fuel filters are crucial in prohibiting dirt, paint chips, rust, debris, and other contaminants from infiltrating the fuel injectors. Ultimately, a damaged fuel filter can prevent your engine from operating all together. That’s why it’s recommended you replace your fuel filter every two years or after every 30,000 miles. Here’s when it’s time to replace your fuel filter:

  • When your engine stops running
  • If the engine doesn’t turn over or start up
  • ‘Engine Light’ appears

Are you looking for a replacement filter? If so, you can find a range of specialist filters from oil filters to pollen filters right here at Euro Car Parts.

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