When your cabin air filter becomes clogged, it can have a range of negative effects on your vehicle. The obstruction reduces airflow to the air conditioning system, reducing its heating and cooling capacity. This places a great deal of stress on the system, potentially leading to a blowout. In addition to inadequate ventilation, the temperature in the car cabin may become difficult to control.
Clogged cabin air filters also restrict airflow, making it harder for the air exiting the vents to reach the desired temperature. Furthermore, they are unable to capture particles efficiently, leading to a dirty and smelly cabin. These issues can be avoided by changing the cabin air filter at regular intervals. Standard particulate cabin air filters should be replaced every two years or every 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
This will ensure that passengers don't have to roll down windows in the middle of winter to get fresh air. Cabin air filters are made of multifiber cotton sheets or manufactured fabric and are designed to prevent pollution such as dirt, dust, smoke, smog, pollen, mold spores and exhaust gases from entering the vehicle's cabin through the HVAC system. If you suffer from allergies or have difficulty breathing, a dirty or clogged filter can worsen your symptoms. Moreover, a decrease in air quality due to an old filter can cause condensation to form on the windshield.
Changing the cabin air filter is not only important for air quality but also for safety and maintenance of the climate control system. It is an essential part of regular vehicle maintenance and ignoring it can have serious consequences.
