When spring hits Upstate South Carolina, most of us think about cleaning out closets or washing pollen off the porch, but your vehicle needs attention too. One small maintenance item that makes a big difference, especially in the Spring, is your air filters.
Whether you drive a Chevrolet Silverado, Equinox, Trax, Tahoe, or another vehicle like a Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, or Jeep, clean air filters help your engine run properly and keep the air inside your vehicle fresh. At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, we regularly see vehicles that could have avoided performance issues simply by replacing a dirty or clogged filter.
Below, we’ll break down what air filters do, how often to replace them, what happens if you don’t, and whether it makes sense to handle it yourself or have the replacement done professionally.
The Two Air Filters Every Vehicle Has (and Why Both Matter)
Most vehicles have two different air filters, and they serve different purposes:
1. Engine Air Filter
The engine air filter keeps dirt, pollen, sand, and debris from entering your engine. Clean air is critical for proper combustion, fuel efficiency, and engine longevity.
A dirty engine air filter can lead to:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Sluggish acceleration
- Rough idling
- Increased engine wear over time
2. Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter cleans the air that comes into your vehicle’s interior through the heating and air conditioning system.
A clogged cabin air filter can cause:
- Reduced airflow from vents
- Musty or unpleasant odors
- Increased allergens inside the vehicle
- Extra strain on your HVAC system
Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Replace Air Filters
Spring in the Carolinas brings:
- Pollen (lots of it)
- Dust from construction and farm roads
- Increased road debris after winter weather
Drivers in Cherokee County and surrounding areas often don’t realize how quickly filters clog during this time of year. Even if your filters were fine during winter, spring conditions can overwhelm them fast—especially if you:
- Park outdoors
- Drive back roads
- Commute daily to Spartanburg or Greenville
How Often Should You Replace Your Air Filters?
There’s no single answer that fits every vehicle. The best source is your owner’s manual, which provides exact mileage and time intervals.
That said, general guidelines include:
Engine Air Filter
- Typically every 12,000–30,000 miles
- May need replacement sooner in dusty or pollen-heavy areas
Cabin Air Filter
- Usually every 15,000–25,000 miles
- More often if you notice odors or reduced airflow
Pro Tip from Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney
You shouldn’t need to replace air filters at every oil change, but you should inspect them every oil change. Pulling the filter out allows you to:
- Check for heavy dirt buildup
- Look for tears or damage
- Make sure it isn’t completely clogged
What Happens If You Don’t Replace Your Air Filters?
Putting off air filter replacement may seem harmless, but it can lead to real issues over time.
Ignoring the Engine Air Filter Can Lead To:
- Decreased gas mileage
- Poor throttle response
- Check engine light in some cases
- Long-term engine damage
Ignoring the Cabin Air Filter Can Cause:
- Reduced A/C and heat performance
- Foggy windows
- Worsening allergy symptoms
- Strain on the blower motor
Replacing air filters is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your vehicle.
Common Myths About Air Filter Replacement
Let’s clear up a few misconceptions:
Myth: “Air filters need to be replaced at every oil change.”
Not true. They should be checked every oil change, but replacement depends on condition.
Myth: “A dirty filter won’t really hurt anything.”
Over time, restricted airflow can affect fuel economy, performance, and comfort.
Myth: “Only older cars need air filter replacements.”
New vehicles need clean filters just as much—sometimes more, due to tighter tolerances.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Air Filters
You may need new air filters if you notice:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Weak airflow from vents
- A dirty or musty smell inside the car
- Excessive dust inside the cabin
- Sluggish engine performance
If you’re unsure, our Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney service team is happy to check for you.
Which Vehicles Are Easier (or Harder) to Replace Air Filters Yourself?
Is replacing the air filter on your vehicle something you can do yourself? It depends on your vehicle — and whether you’re replacing the engine air filter or the cabin air filter.
Engine Air Filters: Usually Easy for Most Vehicles
Across most major brands — including Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan — engine air filters are typically very DIY-friendly because they are:
- Located under the hood
- Housed in a plastic box with clips or screws
- No need to remove trim panels
- Usually takes 5–10 minutes
Common Easy DIY Examples:
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Trax
- Ford F-150
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
To replace the engine air filter in most of these vehicles, you simply:
- Open the hood
- Unclip or unscrew the air box
- Remove the old filter
- Insert the new one
Engine air filters are among the most straightforward maintenance items for DIYers.
Cabin Air Filters: Where Difficulty Can Vary
Cabin air filters are less predictable. Their placement depends heavily on manufacturer design choices.
Easier Cabin Air Filter Replacements
Many modern vehicles are designed for relatively simple access — often behind or just below the glove box.
These typically include:
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Traverse (newer models)
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota RAV4
- Honda Civic
- Honda Accord
- Ford Escape
In these models, replacing the cabin air filter usually involves:
- Lowering or removing the glove box
- Opening a small access panel
- Sliding the filter out
Many can be completed in under 15 minutes with minimal tools.
More Difficult Cabin Air Filter Replacements
Some vehicles require additional trim removal, working in tight spaces, or accessing the filter from unusual locations.
Automotive trade publications like Underhood Service have documented certain vehicles that technicians consider more time-consuming.
Examples can include:
- Older Nissan Altima models
- Early 2000s Honda Accord models
- Some Acura models
- Certain BMW and European vehicles (filters may be under the cowl near the windshield)
- Some full-size SUVs like older Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban models, where tight interior space can make access awkward
These vehicles may require:
- Removing multiple screws
- Disconnecting trim panels
- Working around wiring or tight dash components
While still possible to DIY, they can become frustrating if you’re short on time.
Should You DIY or Schedule Service?
You may choose to replace the filter yourself if:
- You enjoy working on your vehicle
- You have 10–20 minutes to spare
- Your vehicle has easy access
However, many drivers in Gaffney, Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Blacksburg, Cowpens, and Shelby prefer to have their air filters replaced during an oil change or tire rotation at a vehicle service shop.
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, we:
- Inspect your air filters during routine maintenance
- Make recommendations based on certified manufacturer guidelines
- Install the correct OEM-quality filter
- Check for damage, tears, or excessive buildup
Benefits of Having Air Filters Replaced During Service:
- Saves time
- Ensures the correct filter is installed
- Allows trained technicians to inspect related components
- Can be done during oil changes or tire rotations
If you value your time or simply want peace of mind, having our certified technicians handle it while you’re already in for service can be the most convenient option.
Doing It Yourself? Order OEM Parts from Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney
If you decide to replace your air filter yourself, using the right part matters. Not all filters are made the same, and installing the wrong size or lower-quality filter can reduce performance or allow debris to slip through.
At Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney, you can order genuine OEM air filters designed specifically for your vehicle make and model. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are built to meet factory specifications, ensuring proper fit, airflow, and filtration.
Our parts team can help you:
- Confirm the correct engine or cabin air filter for your vehicle
- Check availability
- Order parts quickly if they’re not in stock
Serving Gaffney and Surrounding Communities with Trusted Service
Drivers from Gaffney, Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Blacksburg, Cowpens, and Shelby trust Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney for honest advice and dependable maintenance. Our goal isn’t just to fix problems—it’s to help you prevent them.
Air filter replacement is a small service that can make a big difference in how your vehicle runs and feels.
Schedule Air Filter Service at Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney
Whether you want:
- A quick inspection
- Replacement during an oil change
- Help figuring out the right maintenance schedule
Our experienced vehicle service team is here to help.
Spring is the perfect time to refresh your vehicle, and clean air filters are one of the easiest ways to start.Schedule your vehicle service appointment with Burns Chevrolet of Gaffney today and drive confidently through every season.
