How to Know When a Cabin Air Filter Needs to Be Replaced
Like the air filter in your home’s air conditioning system, the cabin air filter needs to be replaced periodically. These filters are in place to trap dust, pollen, and other debris, which accumulate over time and will eventually restrict airflow. Easily the most obvious sign that you need to have your filter replaced is the volume of airflow. Another good indicator is the quality of the air filling the cabin. If you are coughing or sneezing more than usual, it may be a sign that the filter needs to be replaced. If you notice the air coming from your vent smells musty or if you are noticing increasing amounts of dust settling on your dashboard, this may be another indicator that the filter needs to be replaced.
Frequency of Replacement
If you haven’t noticed any of the signs above yet, what guidelines should you follow to keep these symptoms from occurring? Different makes and models have unique recommendations for the frequency of cabin air filter replacement. To know what these timelines are, you need only check your owner’s manual. If you no longer have your owner’s manual, a good range to follow is every 15,000-30,000 miles, but some things may facilitate early replacement.
If you live or frequently drive on dirt or gravel roads, you may need to change the filter more often. If you live in a highly industrialized area where there is a lot of smog, this environment may necessitate more frequent replacement. If you are in an area where there are higher amounts of pollen infiltrating, this may also be a reason to replace your filter sooner than normal.
Benefits of Cabin Air Filters
Whenever you run your heater or air conditioner, it draws air from outside the vehicle into the system where the air is either heated or cooled before being pushed into the cabin. The air filter stops most of the particles from entering the cabin and your nose, mouth, and lungs. If the cabin air filter fails to filter out harmful particles like mold, spores, and pollen, it can affect the interior cabin air quality and the comfort of you and your passengers.
