How Many Filters Does a Car Air Conditioning System Have?
2 Answers
Car air conditioning systems have four filters. Below is an introduction to these filters: 1. Air Filter: Typically located in the engine compartment, it filters the air entering the engine, removing impurities and small particles to prevent excessive wear inside the engine. It should be cleaned during each maintenance and replaced every other time. Using a high-quality air filter can extend the engine's lifespan. 2. Cabin Air Filter: Many people think this filter is only useful when the air conditioning is on, but in fact, any air coming from the vents passes through this filter, including natural ventilation when the external circulation is activated. This filter is installed in the air duct, and its location varies—it could be behind the glove box, to the right of the accelerator pedal, or even in the windshield's drainage channel. In high-end cars, there are usually two cabin air filters: one on the outside and one on the inside. 3. Fuel Filter: This filter is connected in series within the fuel line. Some are built-in, while others are external. External filters are generally recommended to be replaced every 20,000 kilometers, whereas built-in filters vary by vehicle, typically lasting between 40,000 to 80,000 kilometers. A clogged external filter can reduce fuel flow and pressure, while a built-in filter may develop internal leaks, leading to low fuel pressure. 4. Oil Filter: This filter should be replaced with every oil change. It filters out particles in the engine oil and stores them inside the filter to prevent impurities from damaging the bearings. Depending on the type of oil used, it is usually replaced every 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers.
The car's air conditioning system usually has only one main filter, commonly referred to as the cabin air filter. It is typically hidden behind the glove box or under the windshield. This component primarily filters the air entering the vehicle, keeping out dust, pollen, and other particles. Some cars come equipped with dual-layer filters that have special functions, such as activated charcoal filters, but these are still installed in the same location and essentially count as a single filtration unit. I've personally disassembled seven or eight different car models and found that, except for older Mercedes models which have an additional coarse filter screen in the engine compartment, most cars have a single-filter structure. Remember to replace it every 10,000 kilometers or once a year; otherwise, the air conditioning may develop a musty smell, and the filtration efficiency will degrade.
