What are the three filters in a minor maintenance service?
3 Answers
In a minor maintenance service, the three filters are the oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter. Air Filter: Ensures that the air entering the engine is clean. The air contains suspended dust particles, primarily composed of silicon dioxide, which is harder than metal. Installing an air filter reduces wear on components such as cylinders, pistons, and piston rings. Without an air filter, cylinder wear increases by 7 times, piston wear by 3 times, and piston ring wear by 8 times. Therefore, modern car engines are equipped with air filters at the carburetor (or the intake control device in fuel-injected engines). Fuel Filter: Ensures clean fuel and prevents vapor lock. During storage, transportation, and refueling, gasoline inevitably mixes with impurities and water. These contaminants can enter the fuel supply system and engine cylinders, accelerating wear. Before gasoline reaches the fuel pump, it must be filtered to ensure the proper functioning of the fuel supply system. Oil Filter: Filters engine oil to ensure smooth engine operation, making it the most important of the three filters. During internal combustion engine operation, mechanical impurities such as dust, metal particles, and carbon deposits continuously mix with the oil. Additionally, oxidation from air and combustion byproducts causes the oil to form sludge. This sludge not only accelerates wear on moving parts but can also clog oil passages. To maintain oil cleanliness, engines are equipped with oil filters in the lubrication system.
I've been doing car maintenance for a while now. The commonly mentioned 'three filters' in minor maintenance refer to the oil filter, air filter, and cabin air filter. The oil filter is used to remove impurities from the engine oil, preventing metal particles from clogging the components; the air filter is responsible for purifying the air entering the engine, ensuring better combustion efficiency; the cabin air filter filters out dust, pollen, and other particles from the air inside the car, making the air blown out by the AC fresher. If these small components aren't replaced, the car may start emitting smoke, experience increased fuel consumption, or develop unpleasant odors inside. Every time I go to the shop for minor maintenance, I replace them around every 5,000 kilometers. The cost isn't high, and it helps extend the car's lifespan. Overall, developing a habit of regularly checking these filters can save a lot of hassle and prevent breakdowns on the road.
As someone who frequently works on my own car, the three essential filters for minor maintenance are the oil filter, air filter, and cabin air filter. The oil filter is the core protector of the engine, filtering out contaminants from the oil; the air filter ensures clean intake air, preventing carbon buildup in the engine; while the cabin air filter safeguards the air quality inside the car, reducing allergens. If not replaced in time, the car will feel sluggish, and the AC might blow out foul odors. I’ve tried skipping replacements a few times, only to face skyrocketing fuel consumption and unpleasant AC smells—leading to even higher repair costs later. It’s best to check them every six months or 5,000 km. Spending just a few dozen bucks can keep your ride smooth and efficient.
