Sometimes car troubles are as simple as replacing a filter  

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You wouldn’t compare lungs, a digestive system, or blood purifiers to a car, but when it comes to essential functions, vehicle filters play a similar role in keeping your engine healthy. Come rain or shine, the filters are the unsung guardians of your car’s well-being.

“Think of your car as a finely tuned athlete, and filters as the kidneys, lungs, and liver all in one,” says Dylan Petzer, national vice chairperson of the Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association (Tepa), a proud affiliate of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

“Each filter plays a crucial role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly.”

It’s easy to leave this to your mechanic, but Petzer stresses that understanding your filters puts you in control.

“Knowledge is power. When you know what each filter does, you can ask the right questions and avoid unnecessary repairs. For example, if your car feels sluggish, it might be the air filter. If it’s stalling, the fuel filter might be to blame.”

He adds that proactive maintenance, like regular filter changes, is the ultimate money-saver.

“Healthy filters are like exercise and a balanced diet for your car. They keep systems clean and help extend their life.”

The main filters to know:

• Air filter (your engine’s lungs)
This is your engine’s first line of defence – it filters out airborne particles. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, reduces horsepower, lowers fuel efficiency, and increases emissions.

“It’s like trying to run a marathon while breathing through a dusty sock,” says Petzer.

• Fuel filter (the gastric gatekeeper)
Usually located along the fuel line or inside the tank, the fuel filter blocks dirt, rust and contaminants from reaching your engine. “Dirty fuel can cause sputtering, stalling and even total engine shutdown,” he warns.

• Oil filter (the blood purifier)
This screw-on canister traps debris in the engine oil, preventing it from recirculating and causing damage.

“A dirty oil filter is like washing dishes with muddy water. It increases engine wear and can lead to costly repairs,” says Petzer.

• Tucked behind the glovebox or near the windshield, this filter doesn’t affect the engine but is essential for the air you breathe.

“It filters out pollen, fumes, and dust. A clogged filter can worsen allergies and reduce aircon efficiency,” says Petzer.

Why filter maintenance matters
“Neglecting your car’s filters can be disastrous. A clogged air filter starves the engine of oxygen. A neglected fuel filter can cause premature fuel pump failure – an expensive repair. And a dirty oil filter acts like sandpaper, accelerating engine wear,” Petzer cautions.

If you’re wondering whether your filters need replacing, don’t rush to buy the cheapest option.

“This is not the time to cut corners, but it is worth doing your homework,” he advises.

Tepa’s filter buying guide

• Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) filters
These filters are designed specifically for your vehicle by the manufacturer or authorised suppliers. They’re reliable, high-quality, and provide a perfect fit.

• Reputable aftermarket filters
Matching-quality parts from brands like Mann, Bosch, Wix, Fram, and Mahle often meet OEM standards. They are cost-effective, dependable, and frequently more economical alternatives.

• No name filters
Low-cost filters may be made of subpar materials, fit poorly, and fail prematurely, causing restricted flow and leaks. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. It’s always worth checking the guarantee on these cheaper parts, too.

“When it comes to fuel and oil filters, always choose OEM or a trusted aftermarket brand. The wrong choice might save you money now, but could cost you thousands later,” Petzer urges.

“Your car is an investment. Treat it right, and it will return the favour. Understand your filters, choose quality parts, and stick to recommended service intervals at accredited workshops. That’s the recipe for a longer-lasting, better-performing car and many miles of safe driving,” Petzer concludes.