Cabin Air Filter
The cabin air filter in a vehicle helps remove harmful pollutants, including pollen and dust, from the air you breathe within the car. This filter is often located behind the glovebox and cleans the air as it moves through the vehicle's HVAC system. If you notice that your car has an unpleasant odor or the airflow has decreased, consider replacing the cabin filter to give the system, and yourself, a breath of fresh air.
This filter is a small pleated unit, often made of an engineered material or paper-based, multifiber cotton. Before air can move into the interior of the car, it goes through this filter, trapping any contaminants within the air to prevent them from infiltrating the air you breathe.
Most late-model vehicles contain cabin air filters to catch airborne material that can make it less pleasant to ride in a car. if you suffer from allergies, asthma, or other health conditions that impact your respiratory health, the cleanliness of the air you breathe is especially important. whether you're behind the wheel or riding as a passenger in a vehicle, you deserve healthy, clean air to breathe. The best way to make sure the air is clean is to change the cabin air filte.
The area where you drive can also play a role in how often you change the filter. Those who drive in urban, congested areas or places with poor air quality might need to replace their filters more frequently. If you live in a place with a desert climate, your filter might get clogged with dust faster, requiring frequent changes.
- Reduced or weak airflow, even when the heat or air conditioner is set to high
- A whistling sound coming from the cabin air intake ducts
- Musty, unpleasant odors coming through the air in your vehicle
- Excessive noise when the heating or cooling system is running
- If you are experiencing any of these signs in your car, consider replacing the filter to see if that resolves the problem.
Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter
In most cars, the cabin air filter sits behind the glovebox. You might able to access it yourself by removing the glovebox from the fasteners that hold it in place. If this is the case, your owner's manual should provide guidance on how to remove the glovebox. However, if your cabin air filter is beneath the dashboard or under the hood, it might not be as accessible.
If you're having your vehicle serviced at a repair shop or dealership, the technician might recommend a cabin air filter replacement. Before you agree, ask to see your current filter. You could be surprised to see a filter covered in soot, dirt, leaves, twigs, and other grime, which confirms the replacement service is important. However, if your cabin air filter is clean and free of debris, you can probably wait.
Failing to replace a dirty, clogged filter will impact the efficiency of the heating and cooling system in your car. Poor efficiency can lead to other problems, including a loss of air volume, bad odors in the cabin, or premature failure of HVAC components. Simply replacing a dirty filter can make a big difference in the car's air quality.
Other Steps To Protect Your Vehicle
You can take additional steps to maintain air quality and prevent other allergens from settling in your car:
- Vacuum upholstery and carpeted floor and mats regularly.
- Wipe down surfaces, including door panels, steering wheel, console, and dashboard.
- Check the weather-stripping of the doors and windows for a proper seal.
- Clean up spills right away to prevent mold growth.
