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The Importance of Regular Filter Replacement: Air, Cabin, and Fuel Filters

Date: Jan 26, 2024

Mechanic fixing BMW

Your internal combustion engine vehicle has three filters you may not think about replacing as part of regular maintenance for your Miami drives. The engine air filter, cabin air filter, and fuel filter all play roles in keeping your car, truck, or SUV moving forward on Hollywood roads.

When these filters become clogged, they can hinder the performance of your luxury BMW. Read on to learn more about these three filters, brought to you by our service team at BMW of Fort Lauderdale.

We’ll cover in the following guide:

  • What does an engine air filter do?
  • Car fuel filter replacement
  • What is a cabin filter in a car?

What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

An engine air filter is designed to keep dirt, dust, sand, and other contaminants from getting inside the engine. The filter can get dirty and clogged over time. It can restrict the airflow to your combustion chamber, reducing your BMW’s performance. 

Here are some signs that you should replace your engine air filter:

  • Sluggish acceleration
  • Misfiring spark plugs
  • Black smoke from the exhaust
  • Your Service Engine light comes on
  • Worse fuel economy on Coconut Creek roads

Replacing the air filter improves performance, acceleration, and gas mileage. You should see a noticeable difference! Now we’ve answered, “What does an engine air filter do?” Next, we’ll discuss when to replace the engine air filter.

Engine Air Filter Replacement Schedule

Your exact engine air filter replacement schedule depends on your owner’s manual. Depending on your model, you might need to replace the engine air filter once every 12,000 to 40,000 miles. Keep reading to learn about car fuel filter replacement.

Car Fuel Filter Replacement Guide

Every car, truck, and SUV that runs on gasoline has a fuel filter somewhere between the fuel tank and the combustion chamber. It’s usually in the gas line. 

What Does a Car Fuel Filter Do?

The fuel filter is designed to keep debris from your fuel tank, like rust or even contaminants that seeped into the fuel when it was stored in the truck or tank at the gas station. As a BMW lover, you don’t want these contaminants to get into your combustion chamber.

See the signs of a clogged fuel filter, meaning it’s time for a car fuel filter replacement:

  • Trouble starting your vehicle
  • Vehicle sputters or even stops
  • Reduced gas mileage
  • Poor acceleration
  • Drop in fuel pressure
  • Less engine power
  • Breakdown

A fresh fuel filter should give you an immediate increase in fuel economy, more power, and no problems starting or accelerating.

Car Fuel Filter Replacement Schedule

As with the engine air filter, consult your owner’s manual for the correct car fuel filter replacement schedule. In general, expect to change your fuel filter every 12,000 to 30,000 miles, or every one to two years. Lastly, we’ll cover the answer to, “What is a cabin filter in a car?”

Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter serves the same purpose as the engine air filter, except a cabin air filter works with your vehicle’s HVAC system.

What is a Cabin Filter in a Car?

The cabin filter in your car typically sits behind the dashboard and filters the air flowing through your air conditioning system before it reaches the cabin. The cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, smoke, and other contaminants from getting into the cabin, making it easier for you and your passengers to breathe fresh, clean air.

The signs of a clogged cabin filter include:

  • Weak airflow through the vents
  • Smelly air
  • Increase in sneezing from dust and pollen

A fresh air filter should lead to immediate improvement in the air quality for your breathing.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Schedule

Again, look at your owner’s manual as the final authority on replacing the cabin air filter. We recommend a new cabin filter every 12,000 to 30,000 miles, or every two years. You might have to replace either of the air filters sooner if you drive in dusty conditions.

Schedule Vehicle Service in Fort Lauderdale

If you have found this guide helpful, call , or schedule an appointment with our team if you need any of your filters replaced. Meanwhile, look over our service and parts specials to see if you could save some money on your maintenance!

Dealership Info

Phone Numbers:Sales Hours:
  • Mon - Fri9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sat9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sun12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Service Hours:
  • Mon - Fri7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • SunClosed
Parts Hours:
  • Mon - Fri7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Sat8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • SunClosed
BMW of Fort Lauderdale 26.1051997, -80.1371954.