Contamination is the most common reason for regularly changing the cabin air filter. This filter is the only thing that stands between the outside air and the inside air of your car, blocking out smog and dirty exhaust fumes from other vehicles. It is recommended to change the cabin air filter once a year or every 12,000 miles. If you drive in heavily polluted areas or travel on dirt roads, you should change your cabin air filter every 5,000 miles.
Allergy sufferers may want to consider changing it more often to ensure air quality and reduce their allergy symptoms. It's best to check your air filters every six months if you use your car frequently and also use air conditioning. If you think it will be necessary to replace it, then you should. Why wait until it's completely broken? Some signs that you need a new cabin air filter are reduced airflow through the climate control system, such as when you raise the fan too high and get more noise than the results.
However, even if you don't have these warnings, you should have your air filter checked at least once a year, and you may be able to do it yourself. Similarly, your car's ventilation system features the cabin air filter to maintain a constant flow of clean air. If you don't change the cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of your car's filter and HVAC system will be compromised. Many cabin air filters are located behind the glove box and can be easily accessed by releasing the glove box from its fasteners; instructions should be in the car's owner's manual.
However, if the cabin air filter is under the dashboard or under the hood, it may not be as accessible. If a dealer's service department or repair shop recommends buying a new cabin air filter, ask to see the current one. Simply changing the cabin air filter will dramatically improve your vehicle's air quality. In your car's owner's manual, you can find mileage marks for recommended cabin air filter changes, although they vary by vehicle type and manufacturer.
The cabin air filter is a small pleated filter made of multi-fiber paper cotton or other engineering material. Clean air is essential for your vehicle to function properly; your car's engine air filter ensures that clean air reaches the engine. To sum up, replacing your cabin air filter is essential for maintaining good air quality in your vehicle. It is recommended to change it once a year or every 12,000 miles, depending on how often you drive in polluted areas or on dirt roads. Allergy sufferers may want to consider changing it more often to reduce their symptoms.
You can find instructions for replacing your cabin air filter in your car's owner's manual.