Your vehicle owner’s manual should show the location of your air filter. It’s usually inside a round, square, or rectangular housing, which is usually made of plastic or metal.

Even if you had your car professionally serviced last week, it’s always a good idea to check the air filter. Leaves, dirt, and other debris can get sucked in. If you live in a dusty area, your air filter will be working overtime to prevent dust from getting into the engine.

Air filters are cheap. If your filter looks even a little dirty, replace it. Remember, anything that passes through the filter goes straight into the engine.

Most newer vehicles also have a cabin air filter. The filter is for the interior of your car. Unless you want to breathe dirty, recycled air, locate the cabin air filter and replace it if necessary. Your vehicle owner’s manual should show the location of your cabin air filter.