Dear Partners and Vehicle Owners:

As winter approaches and temperatures drop sharply, road conditions become more challenging, and your vehicle faces more rigorous tests. Filters, as the “guardians” of your vehicle, directly affect engine performance, éifeachtúlacht breosla, heating effectiveness, and driving safety. Proper winter filter maintenance not only improves the driving experience but is also crucial in preventing costly repairs.

As a professional filter manufacturer, we provide you with this detailed guide for winter filter inspection and replacement.

Step 1: Safety Preparations and General Principles

1. Safety First: Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level, well-ventilated surface, engage the parking brake, and wait for the engine to cool completely (especially when changing the oil filter).
2. Use Genuine Parts: Always recommend using high-quality filters that meet or exceed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. Inferior filters will not provide adequate protection.
3. Prepare the Tools: Have the appropriate wrenches, screwdrivers, gloves, rags, and a container for collecting waste oil ready.
4. Special Winter Tip: When working in cold environments, take precautions to stay warm, as metal parts may be extremely cold to the touch. Plastic clips are more brittle in low temperatures, so exercise extra caution when removing them.

 

Part Two: Step-by-Step Operating Guide for the Four Key Filters

A.. Engine Air Filter – The “Lungs” that Ensure Winter Performance

• Why is it important in winter?

Sa gheimhreadh, the air is dry, and anti-skid sand and gravel are often used on the roads, resulting in more dust. A clean air filter ensures that the engine receives sufficient, clean oxygen for efficient fuel combustion, which is crucial for cold starts and winter fuel efficiency.

 

• Inspection and Replacement:

1. Location: Open the hood and locate the black rectangular air filter box (usually connected to a thick intake pipe).
2. Removal: Loosen the clips or screws around the box cover and open the top cover.
3. Inspection: Remove the old filter element and inspect it under light or with a flashlight. If the filter paper is very dirty, blackened, or stained with oil or debris, it must be replaced.
4. Cleaning and Installation: Wipe the inside of the air filter box with a damp cloth to ensure no dust remains. Nóta: Do not use a high-pressure air gun to blow the filter element from the reverse side, as this will damage the filter paper structure and allow impurities to enter the engine. Insert the new filter element in the original direction and position, ensuring that the edge sealing strip is completely fitted. Close the box cover and fasten all the clips.

B. Cabin Air Filter – The “Mask” that Protects Winter In-Car Health

 

Why is it important in winter?

Sa gheimhreadh, car windows are often closed, and the heater is used frequently. A dirty cabin air filter can breed bacteria and mold, produce unpleasant odors, and obstruct the airflow of the heater, seriously affecting the air quality inside the car and the defogging effect.

 

Inspection and Replacement:

1. Location: Most are located behind the passenger side glove compartment or under the windshield wiper on the lower right side. Please refer to your vehicle’s manual.
2. Removal: Open the glove compartment, remove the limiters on both sides or loosen the cover plate to see the cabin air filter cover. Remove the cover plate.
3. Inspection: Pull out the old filter element. If it is covered with dust, duilleog, insects, or is moldy, replace it immediately.
4. Suiteáil: Ensure that the airflow direction arrow on the new filter element (usually pointing towards the passenger compartment or downwards) is correct. Push in the filter element, reattach the cover plate, and restore the glove compartment.

C.. Oil Filter and Engine Oil – The “Kidneys” of Winter Engine Lubrication

 

• Why is it important in winter? Engine oil thickens at low temperatures. An old oil filter may be clogged, and combined with old engine oil, this significantly increases wear during cold starts. It is recommended to replace the oil filter along with the oil change before winter.

 

• Inspection and Replacement:

1. Preparation: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to thin the oil, then turn off the engine. Place an oil drain pan under the vehicle.
2. Taosc ola d'aois: Unscrew the drain plug on the engine oil pan and drain all the old engine oil.
3. Replace the oil filter: Use a special oil filter wrench to unscrew the old oil filter counterclockwise. Nóta: Some old oil will remain in the filter; pour it out carefully.
4. Prepare the new filter: Apply a thin layer of new engine oil to the rubber seal of the new oil filter to enhance sealing.
5. Suiteáil: Screw the new oil filter back onto the base by hand until the seal contacts the base surface, then tighten it with a tool by 3/4 chun 1 turn (please follow the filter packaging instructions), but do not overtighten.
6. Add new oil: Tighten the drain plug and add new engine oil with the appropriate winter viscosity rating (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) to the specified level through the filler opening under the hood. Check the dipstick, start the engine and let it run for one minute, then check the oil level again and check for leaks at the filter.

D.. Fuel Filter – Ensuring Smooth Fuel Flow in Winter – The “Liver” of the Fuel System

• Why is it important in winter? Low winter temperatures can cause water in the fuel to condense. A high-quality fuel filter effectively separates water and impurities, preventing the fuel system (especially the delicate fuel injectors) from freezing or clogging in harsh winter conditions.
• Inspection and Replacement (recommended to be performed by a professional technician):

1. Location and pressure release: For external fuel filters, locate the filter module under the vehicle chassis. Chun tosaigh, the fuel system pressure needs to be released (e.g., by disconnecting the fuel pump fuse and starting the engine until it stalls). 2. Removal: Use a wrench to loosen the fuel line connectors at both ends of the fuel filter (note that residual fuel may leak from the connections; cover them with a cloth). Loosen the mounting bracket and remove the old fuel filter.
2. Suiteáil: Pay attention to the fuel flow direction arrow on the new fuel filter. Install the new filter into the bracket and connect the fuel lines. Ensure that the clips or bolts are securely fastened.
3. Leak Check: Tar éis suiteála, turn on the ignition switch (without starting the engine) to allow the fuel pump to build up fuel pressure, and carefully check all connections for leaks. Then start the engine and check again.