The overall health of the HVAC system in your car, as well as the wellbeing of everyone riding in it, depends on the cabin air filter. If you’re wondering how often should you replace your cabin air filter, here’s what you need to know.
Cabin air filters need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. The owner’s manual should always be consulted, though, to determine your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, including how often your air filter should be changed.
Keep reading.
What is a Cabin Air Filter?
Why would a cabin air filter be necessary? The cabin air filter is in charge of filtering the air that enters the cabin of the car through the heating and air conditioning system. It is typically found behind the glove compartment. This piece of equipment is critical to keeping air quality healthy inside your vehicle, as it filters out things like:
- Dust
- Mold spores
- Pollution
- Pollen
It will eventually be impossible to avoid a clogged cabin air filter, which will impair the air quality inside your car. You may now be asking, “How do I know when to replace a cabin air filter?”
How Often Should You Replace Your Cabin Air Filter?
Unfortunately, many people don’t even realize they have a cabin air filter, much less that it needs to be replaced! But you’ll want to keep an eye on it because it’s vital to maintaining the air quality in your cabin.
You should consult your owner’s manual to confirm the recommended interval for replacing your cabin air filter, which varies depending on the year, make, and model of your car. In general, though, most cabin air filters should be replaced somewhere between every 15,000 and 30,000 miles. You may also notice any of the following signs:
- Reduced air flow when climate control systems are on
- Lingering unpleasant odors
- Increasing dust settling on vehicle surfaces
What Happens If You Don’t Change Cabin Air Filter?
If you don’t change your cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issue of foul odors inside your car.
FAQs
Will Cabin Filter Affect AC?
Believe it or not, your cabin filter can affect your AC system, and the On the overall power of the vehicle, the AC can have a significant impact. If your filter is clogged, then you might have to turn up the AC. Your AC’s workload increases as does that of the engine.
Can You Clean Cabin Filter Instead of Replacing?
Your first instinct might be to replace a dirty air filter, but cleaning it can extend its life and save you some money in the long run. If you choose to clean your cabin air filter three times a year with a vacuum and cloth, you can extend its lifespan by about six months. A cabin air filter typically lasts about a year without cleaning.
Why is My Cabin Air Filter So Dirty?
When the thermostat’s fan setting is set to “ON” the indoor blower will run 24/7, constantly circulating air over the air filter. As a result, the filter is constantly catching airborne impurities, which causes it to quickly become dirty.
Can Cabin Air Filter Affect Acceleration?
Your car’s performance and power are both decreased when there is insufficient air entering the engine. As an illustration, you might observe that your car takes a while to respond when you press the accelerator. A clean air filter can improve acceleration.
Summary: How Often Should You Replace Your Cabin Air Filter?
Cabin air filters need to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. The owner’s manual should always be consulted, though, to determine your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, including how often your air filter should be changed.
The best way to ensure that everyone riding in your car is comfortable and that your ventilation system is working properly is to have your cabin air filter replaced on a regular basis. The air quality inside your car will be significantly improved by a new cabin air filter, and the airflow from the heating and cooling system will also be greatly increased.
If you have any questions, please leave a comment. KV Auto tries to give you the best car industry information. Thank you for reading.
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