Tips for Using Air Filters – Blog

Tips for Using Air Filters

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Tips for Using Air Filters

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Did you know how and where you drive can determine the way you should maintain your vehicle? Your owner’s manual typically has two maintenance schedules: normal and severe. Most drivers might be surprised to know that over 80 percent of all driving is considered “severe” or “harsh.” If you drive near construction sites, farmland, dirt, gravel or pavement that has been treated against winter storms, you are being exposed to the kind of dirt and dust that can affect the performance of a vehicle’s engine. 

So, how do you know when to change your filters? Below are four tips to help keep up your maintenance schedule.

1. Determine how you drive.

Drivers who are classified as “normal” only have simple daily travel on paved roads – or travel where there is no stop-and-go traffic, short trips, hauling or high heat. While these conditions are defined as normal, only a small amount of driving falls into this category. When combined with traditional oil change intervals, typically 3,000 to 5,000 miles, drivers should consider a standard filter.

wix packaging on a counter

Most commonly drivers are categorized as “severe.”  These drivers should consider premium oil filters, which are designed for stop-and-go commutes, either in the city or in heavy traffic.  You may even drive in dirty or dusty conditions. These drivers should change oil based on OE manufacturer oil intervals, typically 3,750 to 10,000 miles, but never exceeding 12 months.  

Harsh, or extreme, drivers operate vehicles under extreme temperature conditions.  You may use your vehicle to tow trailers, boats or heavy equipment. These drivers should typically change oil at OE manufacturer oil intervals with synthetic oil, typically 3,750 to 10,000 miles, not to exceed 12 months.  A high-premium oil filter is recommended for these conditions.

2. Stick to the recommended service schedule.

Most OEs recommend filter service based on normal or ideal conditions – and suggest more frequent changes as contaminant levels increase. But even in the cleanest of conditions, OEs may recommend a not-to-exceed time to assure the seal and other materials have not unduly aged. Be sure to pay attention to your vehicle’s recommendation.

3. Perform maintenance based on your engine and environment.

Various factors will determine how often maintenance is necessary. If you operate your vehicle in dirty or dusty environments, you have a higher risk of causing havoc within your oil filter. Diesel engines subjected to city driving have similar service intervals as gasoline engines, while trucks or vehicles used in farm, construction, mines or dirt roads with high dust concentrations may require more frequent servicing.  

4. Choose the correct filter.

Just as drivers are not all the same, the same holds true for oil filters. Options such as WIX Filters’ XP oil filters come with wire-backed full-synthetic media and are made for today’s longer service intervals. These filters are ideal for heavy loads, city driving and extreme driving conditions, and XP is designed for full-synthetic oils.

Proper maintenance and using the filter specified by the manufacturer is crucial for consistent long-term performance of a vehicle. Don’t let your engine down and make sure to stay on top of regular car maintenance checkups and filter replacements. No matter how you drive, check your owner’s manual maintenance recommendations.

wix filters
For more information, visit how-you-drive.com and use the Filter Look-Up to find the correct WIX filter for any vehicle.

 

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