Recommendations for Changing Filters

It is best to follow the Severe Service maintenance schedules found in most new car owner’s manuals, with a few exceptions:

1. Air filters need to be inspected regularly and replaced as often as needed, regardless of mileage or time.  Dirty air filters can increase fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.  Make it a habit to check them once a month, especially if you live on a dirt road!
2. Fuel filters should be replaced yearly and/or at every tune-up, especially on fuel injected cars.  The fuel filter in a vehicle with electronic fuel injection passes a much larger volume of fuel than its counterpart in a carbureted application.  If the tank is dirty or rusty, constant fuel recirculation can pick up a lot of debris that ends up in the filter.  If the filter plugs, the engine is starved for fuel or unfiltered fuel is allowed to bypass the filter.  The latter can damage injectors.
3. Oil filters need to be replaced at every oil change (every 3 months or 3,000 miles in most cases) despite the advice in many owner’s manuals.  A new filter is cheap insurance against major engine damage, so why take unnecessary risks?
4. Few owners’ manuals have a suggested change interval for the automatic transmission fluid or filter unless the vehicle is used for towing.  Most transmission specialists say the best preventative maintenance for prolonging automatic transmission life is to change fluid and filter every two years or 30,000 miles.  Follow the manufacturer's recommendations  on the specific type of ATF to use.
5. Don't forget about your Cabin Air Filter!  This filter is another one that is recommended to be replaced as needed.  Make it a habit to at least check this filter once a quarter, more if live or drive on dirt roads.

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