However, as their alternate name suggests, cabin air filters don’t just clean outside air. A/C air filters are also part of your car’s system. Either you’re running the heater or the A/C, these filters remove contaminants from the air. This includes things like cigarette smoke and wildfires.
Why Your Car Needs a Cabin Air Filter?
Naturally, cabin air filters cannot remove every single contaminant. Some are better suited for removing mites and odours, while others claim to remove viruses. It matters essentially how significant the contaminant is and what the filter is made of. It’s worth noting that if you want to sterilize your cabin air, you need a dedicated air purifier, which isn’t in every car.
Like the oil or fuel filter, the car’s cabin air filter eventually clogs up and fails to do its job correctly. Fortunately, there are many signs to watch for.
One of the most obvious is poor airflow. If the A/C air filter is clogged, cold air will struggle to get in even though the fan is working. If you’re trying to run a heater, do the same for hot air. HVAC systems can also make more noise, especially from air vents.
What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?
A cabin air filter prevents impurities such as smog, dirt, dust, smoke, pollen, mould spores, and exhaust gases from entering the vehicle’s cabin through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. It also keeps out other debris, such as rodents, insects, and leaves.
- Cabin air filters are generally rectangular and made of a mix of paper and other fibrous materials. They have a rationale for more capture of contaminants.
- When air passes over the cabin air filter, the filter traps the debris instead of being pumped into the car. Eventually, that debris accumulates, and the filter needs to be replaced to continue working efficiently.
Importance of Cabin Air Filter
Cabin air filters are an essential part of your vehicle and play a vital role in keeping harmful irritants at bay. Cabin air filters are used to obstruct the dust and other particles from entering your car through the air vents and air conditioning.
It is recommended that you replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 miles or at least once a year each time a vehicle undergoes its service. When it comes time to replace the filter, you can count on Corteco quality to save you and your vehicle the hassle.
Filtration is often left when a Cabin air filter takes for a service due to the complexity of removing the filter from the car. They are usually placed in inconspicuous places, or it takes much work to remove and install a new one. There is always a wrong understanding that most filters take just a few minutes to replace and are simply accessible by mechanics.
How do you change Cabin Air Filter?
The replacement interval of your cabin air filter is based on several factors. In addition to your specific make and model, it also depends on where and how much you drive your car. However, a general rule of thumb is about every 12,000-15,000 miles or 1-2 years. And it is straightforward to do on your own.
Cabin air filters are usually located behind or around the glove box. Simply remove the glove box, and you should be able to access the filter. The Cabin air filter is most likely to the engine air filter, just bigger. Once you have uncovered it, simply remove it or leave it on and insert a new filter.
You can always change your existing A/C air filter. If you care about particulates, HEPA-rated filters can remove particles as small as 0.3 microns. And many come with activated charcoal or other add-ons for better odour or gas removal. Usually, the price of such filters is high.
Conclusion
Finally, if you can’t remember the last time your cabin was replaced, it’s best to check it out. The cabin air filter should be changed every year or every 15,000 km, whichever comes first. We encourage you to make this one of your main priorities the next time you take your car in for service.