WHAT IS A CABIN AIR FILTER AND IS IT IMPORTANT?
The cabin air filter is responsible for ensuring that the driver and passengers can breathe healthy cabin air. Developed to be effective against pollen, dust particles and other common allergens, cabin air filters are designed in such a way as to protect the cabin and the occupants from any potential contamination.
The filter itself typically fibers woven tightly together like paper, cotton, and synthetic fibers. The filter is folded so there are pleats, adding surface area to filter for a longer time, and at a higher degree. Many cabin air filters contain a layer of activated charcoal to neutralize odors.
As such, these filter systems need regular maintenance and occasional replacement in order to maintain efficiency. Neglecting this maintenance task can lead to numerous consequences including reduced visibility, odors, and HVAC issues.
SYMPTOMS OF A CLOGGED CABIN AIR FILTER
When a vehicle’s cabin air filter becomes clogged or dirty, signs will begin to appear that will definitely affect how you can use your car:
- Bad smells are common. An acrid smell coming from the vents, musty smells that linger in the cabin, and sour odors especially when the heat is on can be due to a bad cabin air filter.
- Windows don’t clear properly. Windows and windshields fog up due to temperature and humidity differences between inside and outside air. The airflow needs to be strong enough that the blower motor can clear the fog, but a restricted cabin filter will cause it to struggle.
- The interior is dirtier. Increased dust or debris coming from air vents when turned on can settle on your interior, making it look dirtier.
- There’s more fan noise. Debris can get caught in the blower motor, and it will operate louder anytime the fan is on.
It’s important that you recognize these signs and replace your cabin air filter as soon as possible in order to prevent further consequences.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT CHANGING YOUR CABIN AIR FILTER
Not changing your cabin air filter can have serious consequences for the health and safety of you and your passengers. Most importantly, a dirty cabin air filter allows more harmful particles like odors, soot, smoke and even exhaust fumes to enter the cabin – this can lead to negative health consequences for anyone travelling in your car.
Also, there’s more strain on the HVAC system. When that happens, parts like the heater fan and the blower motor resistor are susceptible to overheating from excessive use, and they can fail.
You could get into an accident from poor visibility if your windshield is fogged up and won’t clear. These types of collisions are completely avoidable with a minor maintenance item.
Surprisingly, if the cabin air filter is dirty, it can also decrease your fuel efficiency. Since the HVAC system needs more energy to push air into the cabin, it demands more power from the engine, and the engine needs to burn fuel to accommodate. While the effect is minor, it is present.
Regularly changing your cabin air filter can help prevent these serious issues from happening in the first place.
HOW TO CHECK IF YOU NEED TO REPLACE YOUR CABIN AIR FILTER
Replacing your cabin air filter is a simple yet important task that should be regularly performed. To check if you need to replace your cabin air filter, start by inspecting the airflow from the vents in your vehicle as well as for strange smells.
You can also physically examine the cabin air filter itself. Look for dust buildup, debris, bugs, or mold on the filter, or cracking around the edges. If any of these symptoms are present, replacing it is recommended as soon as possible. And if you haven’t changed the cabin filter in 12 months, it’s time to do so.
You should be aware of the importance of a cabin air filter, and how it can affect your car’s performance. By understanding the symptoms a clogged cabin air filter can cause, it will be much easier to identify when you need a replacement. Clogged filters can lead to damage to the heating and cooling system, as well as other issues. Checking your filter regularly and knowing when you need to replace it is key to keeping your vehicle well functioning.
Replacing your cabin air filter doesn’t need to take up an entire day or require large sums of money. Once you understand the steps on how perform this task, it becomes simple and cost effective. Take preventative action rather than waiting for damage to occur, and shop at AutoZone for premium quality cabin air filters today. If the job is too big for you, seek out one of our Preferred Shops to help you do the job.
RELATED ARTICLES
FAQ/PEOPLE ALSO ASK