Tag Archives: air filter

When to Replace Your Cabin’s Air Filter

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We’ve been covering vehicle tune up questions of a lesser known matter.  One that does tend to not get talked about is the cabin air filter.  Do you know when you should replace this filter?

As is the case with many of these, the length of time or miles driven in the vehicle before something needs to be changed or replaced differs depending on the automaker.  Some will say 12,000 miles while others may say 15,000.  For that reason, make sure to check the owner’s manual to see what is recommended for your model car.

Bear in mind that the number may also be influenced by the amount of driving you do and the location in which you do said driving.  For New York City drivers, the cabin air filter will need to be changed more frequently than that of someone in a rural location who doesn’t drive as much.  It can vary based on the air quality of the environment the car is driven in as well as the amount of driving done.

To see if your cabin air filter is acting up and needs to be replaced outside the regular check-ups; there are signs to see if it is becoming more and more ineffective.  One surefire sign is the smell.  Another is listening to the fan when you turn it up high.  If it is making a loud noise and not much air is being pushed out, that could mean the filter has gone bad.

If you need help getting a vehicle’s cabin air filter checked or replaced, schedule a time to be seen in our service department to set up an appointment time to be seen.  Be sure to by liking Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge on Facebook, following on Twitter, or subscribing on YouTube.

Summer Maintenance Tips: Air Filter

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The summer maintenance tips continue.  Take out the check-list and add air filter to the list because that is what we are covering next.

As the summer season approaches, it is the perfect time for an air filter inspection.  Thanks to all that dirt and other gunk in the winter, the air filter can get pretty clogged up.  Having a dirty air filter can do damage to your fuel efficiency.  According to HowStuffWorks, replacing a clogged-up air filter can have a positive impact on your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.

Normally the recommendation for changing an air filter is at 12,000 miles.  This figure does not take into account the amount of driving or the environment driven in.  If you are typically driving through dirty places, such as gravel roads, then you’ll be needing to keep a closer eye on the air filter as it will clog up faster than someone who spends their time on a highway.

Checking an air filter is easy and you will be wanting to look for extreme dirt.  Don’t fret if the air filter is slightly dirty, that is fine and normal.  It is obvious when the air filter is in dire need of changing.  So yet another part to look into before setting out on a summer vacation trip.

If you need help with looking with the air filter or any of the other maintenance tips we’ve mentioned thus far, then contact us at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge’s service center.  Be sure to like us on Facebook and to follow us on Twitter to see our monthly deals and service specials.

Image courtesy of Stoonn / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Mopar’s Fall Auto Maintenance Check List

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ID-100109424Just because the weather can’t figure out its mind concerning the temperature doesn’t mean it is not a good time to start getting prepared for colder weather.  After such a scorching summer, it’s a good time to start the preparations for a chilly fall and winter.  Mopar has put out their fall check-list for drivers to make sure they’re ready.  Here it is:

1) Brakes.

Always an important thing to take proper care of.  Last thing anyone needs is to lose control of one of the most vital parts of a vehicle.  Traveling during the summer can wear down the layers on the brake pads leaving them dangerously thin.  Now is the time to make sure they’re ready for the difficult conditions that come with slick roads.

2) Tires

Speaking of dealing with slick roads, tires are extremely important to look into before the fall season.  Check for any edge wear, center wear, or shoulder wear to see if you have any trouble spots on your car.  It’s also a good time to check to make sure the air pressure in all the tires is at the proper levels.  Make sure your spare is also good to go.

3) Battery

The extreme New York heat can have severe effects on a battery.  It shortens the life and is a principle reason for a car dying in the middle of winter, at the worst possible time no less.  Give the battery a look over to see if there’s any cracks in the case.

4) Wiper Blades

Take it from someone who was once caught in a blizzard with broken wiper blades, it’s not fun.  Make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do and that’s keeping the road visible.

5) Shocks & Struts

Not usually something that most drivers consider when readying their vehicle for fall driving.  With chillier weather also comes the dreaded potholes and they can do a number on the ill-prepared motorist.

6) Engine Oil

This is something regardless of the approaching fall season that should always be checked into.  Make sure you’re meeting your regular intervals of oil changes to make sure that it doesn’t negatively impact your vehicle during colder weather.  Low or dirty fluids can wreak havoc on your engine.

7) Fluid Levels

Again, something that should always be taken care of.  Make certain the fluids on things such as power-steering , transmission, brake, windshield fluid are at factory recommend levels.  It’s also a good time to check on the anti-freeze levels.

8) Engine Belts & Hose

These are supposed to be replaced at regular intervals, so just make sure you’re doing that and if it is that time, then there is no better time than now to do it.

9) Air Filter

Having bad air flow can lead to negative consequences on your engine and even on the amount of gas your engine is consuming on a trip.  Having a new filter will do wonders for your gas mileage and help your engine last longer.

10) Headlamps and Tail lamps

With the fall season approaching, so are longer nights.  During the tail end of the year, you’ll find yourself driving much more during darker portions and for that reason it’s good to make sure that other drivers can see you easily.  Give both the front and the back lamps a good look at to make sure they are functioning properly and optimally.

There you have it, a good start to ensuring your car is ready for whatever weather the final part of the year will bring.  If you need any help with any of this maintenance, make sure to contact the service department at Bayside Chrysler Jeep Dodge.  We’ll make sure your car is ready for the weather.

Image courtesy of markuso / FreeDigitalPhotos.net