OEM Automotive Air Filters

Get the Facts About Air Filters

What they do: capture airborne contaminants. That means dirt, debris, dust, and more -- everything from sand to mold spores and pollen, even insects.

How many and what kinds there are: two -- one engine air filter and one cabin air filter.

What engine air filters do: protect the air intake. They help keep pollutants out of it, thereby keeping them out of the motor. (They'd cause performance problems there otherwise, if they built up.)

What cabin air filters do: protect the heater and air conditioning systems. They help prevent accumulation in their ducts and on their vents. (If crud built up there, it'd choke off airflow and cause system malfunctions.)

What they're made of: synthetic paper, foam, cotton, or metal. The media are pleated to trap said infiltrates better and designed either flat-panel, circular, or cylindrical. Some are even permanent -- meaning washable and reusable.

The signs it's time to replace them: look for obstructed airflow. It can appear as everything from Check Engine or other warnings on the dash to the engine making unusual noises, misfiring, or losing power. Other symptoms range from difficulty accelerating, worsening fuel efficiency, and black exhaust smoke to whistling cabin vents and a dirty or stale smell in your interior. Perhaps most obviously, you may also see dirt in the filters, if not completely worn-out media.

When to change them otherwise: every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or at least once a year. Don't let replacement go any longer than every 30,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for more specifics on what you should do and when you should do it.

Why buy genuine OEM air filters: they're guaranteed compatible with your model -- a commitment that aftermarket brands can't necessarily make.

Where to order replacement air filters online: right here at our auto parts store. We stock them for the model you drive, straight from the brand you love. The same goes for other kinds of filters, too, like fuel filters and oil filters. Finding the right ones is easy -- simply browse our inventory by make, model, and year. Order them now, and we'll ship and deliver them right to your door.