Auto Maintenance >Oil & Filters
According to experts, changing your filters on a regular basis may have more to do with your car's longevity than any other single factor.
 Engine oil
Engine oil is generally changed once every three months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter
Oil filters are easy to replace and help prevent unnecessary engine wear. The job of the oil filter is to remove soot, rust particles and other solid contaminants from the oil. Oil filters should be replaced every 3000 miles, as should engine oil.
Air Filter
Air filters remove dirt by trapping the particles as air passes through. They also protect the carburetor in older vehicles, preventing dirt from clogging the air bleeds and metering jets and protect fuel injectors in late-model vehicles. Air filters should be replaced every 20,000 miles but more often if you live or drive in dusty conditions. Any filter that looks heavily loaded should be replaced regardless of the number of miles, as should any filter showing damage.
PCV Breather Filter
The PCV breather filter assures that only clean, filtered air is drawn in through the PCV breather. A clogged breather filter prevents the PCV from siphoning away the blow by gases and moisture created by engine combustion, resulting in oil breakdown and sludge buildup. The PCV breather filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles; however, yearly replacements are good preventative maintenance.
Fuel Filter
A number of contaminants can get into your fuel system and if not trapped by the fuel filter, they can clog the injector inlet screens. If dirt reaches the injector itself, it can clog or damage the pintle valve and seat. In older vehicles, dirt can plug the carburetor's fuel metering orifices. If the fuel filter is not replaced on a regular basis, the fuel flow to the engine will become restricted, resulting in stalling, a loss of high speed power and hard starting. The fuel filter should be replaced every 30,000 miles; however, many professionals recommend a yearly fuel filter change and a change whenever other fuel system parts are replaced.
Automatic Transmission Filter
Properly filtered transmission fluid transmits energy and cools/lubricates the moving parts of the transmission. A clogged transmission filter can produce transmission slippage, engagement problems, and hesitation. Many professional technicians recommend this filter be changed every 12,000-15,000 miles; doing so will extend the life of your automatic transmission.
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