Cars provide an invaluable service. They:
For all those reasons and more, it’s important to keep your vehicle in good working condition.
When was the last time you thought about checking your vehicle’s filters?
While the oil filter may have been changed the last time you stopped in for an oil change, when was the last time you checked your cabin air filter?
When it comes to filters, your car has several to keep it operating well. They include:
The cabin air filter is the one most vehicle owners miss because they often don’t know it exists. A cabin air filter is specifically designed to help filter the air supply inside your vehicle, creating a cleaner environment while you ride in your car. As you exhale, it takes in the air supply and moves it through the filter. As air comes in from the outside, it filters out pollen and dust to prevent further aggravation for allergy and hayfever sufferers.
Like other filters, over time, cabin air filters can become dirty and clogged with harmful contaminants and debris. They no longer serve their purpose if they can’t filter air through the filter, and instead let the pollutants and contaminants back into the air supply.
If you notice a bad smell coming from the vents as you use heat or air conditioning, there’s a good chance it’s time to replace your cabin air filter.
While a cabin air filter might not need replacing as frequently as an oil filter, it’s still a good idea to keep it on a schedule and change it often.
Take a look at your owner’s manual. It will give you an idea of manufacturer’s guidelines, and when your car’s designer suggests you change out the cabin air filter. Typically you’ll find that manufacturers recommend replacing it every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or so.
Timing may be your starting point, but you should also factor in how you drive. Those who drive in urban, congested areas regularly will need to replace the filters more often. If you live in a rural location and dirt roads are a part of your daily drive, the filter may clog with dust and debris faster than by taking paved roads.
Like other parts of your vehicle, the cabin air filter doesn’t wear down in an instant. Instead, it will start to provide you with indicators that its clogging and no longer doing it’s job. You may notice:
The good news is that replacing an old cabin air filter with a new one, it will help your car run better. A well maintained vehicle won’t leave you stranded when you least expect it. It will also give you many more years of service, and be a reliable addition to your lifestyle.
Changing out your cabin air filter will give you:
If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your cabin air filter, now may be the perfect time. Be prepared for springtime pollen season by giving your ventilation system a little TLC.
Changing out the cabin air filter will improve air quality and prevent allergy problems by filtering out pollen and mold spores, dirt, and other pollutants.
It’s one of the easiest ways to ensure your vehicle remains well maintained.
