The air filters in your Kia vehicle are responsible for protecting your engine and the HVAC system. How they work is simple, but crucial. Much like your oil filter and fuel filter, they keep contaminants out of essential parts and systems.

How Air Filters Work

Your engine air filter is located near your vehicle's air intake. That allows it to capture pollutants and debris before they can make it into the engine and collect on the moving parts. Without the engine air filter, those contaminants would choke off the air flow that's required for combustion.

The cabin air filter is situated in one of three places: behind the glove compartment, under the front cowling, or under the dash on the passenger side of your cabin. It's responsible for capturing allergens and irritants and preventing them from escaping through the air vents. If the cabin air filter weren't in place, your air quality would suffer.

How to Spot Faulty Air Filters

Unfortunately, air filters can't last forever. Eventually they'll degrade with age, though it's more likely for them to get too blocked up to continue working properly. That's why it's a good idea to check your regularly, so you can replace them before problems pile up. Signs of trouble include:

Weaker engine performance

Misfiring engine

Odd noises coming from the engine

Your "Check Engine" dash warning light comes on

Inability to maintain a consistent cabin temperature

Your cabin smells musty

You hear whistling noises coming from the air vents

Protect Your Kia With Affordable OEM Air Filters

The best way to stay on top of things is to follow the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. When you do need a new set of air filters, get the best for your vehicle. Kia designs theirs specifically for your model, ensuring the protective fit that you want. Find them right here in our online auto parts catalog, and priced up to 35% below the MSRP that others charge. Buy today and we'll ship your order directly to your front door!