The cabin air filter is integral to the vehicle heating and cooling system. Most people ignore it because it does not directly affect the car’s movement. However, this is dangerous as it can cause health implications, offensive odor, etc. This article explains everything you need to know about the cabin air filter including how to clean it.
What Is a Cabin Air Filter?
An air filter is a pleated unit of paper-based, multi-fiber cotton material. Before air can flow into the interior of a vehicle, it first goes through the filter and blocks any pollution within the air to prevent it from penetrating the air you breathe. It’s often located behind the glovebox or under the hood and cleans the air as it moves through the car’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) system.
If you’re suffering from an asthmatic condition, allergies, or other health conditions that affect respiratory health, you should be careful of the air you breathe. This is because polluted hair is a detriment to such health conditions.
To counter this, most modern vehicle models manufacture cabin air filters to catch contaminants and airborne materials that can create unpleasant and hazardous air for you. After some time, if you perceive an unpleasant odor in your car or a decreased airflow, you should consider changing your cabin filter to enhance the safety of the air in your car.
Disadvantages of a Damaged Cabin Air Filter
Driving with a damaged car cabin air filter has a lot of disadvantages. It poses a threat to our health and the car system. Below are severe dangers attached to a damaged air filter.
The HVAC System Won’t Function Properly
An overused cabin air filter will harm how the HVAC system functions. And this can cause your vehicle to overheat, resulting in a burn-up. A dirty cabin air filter will also reduce the air flowing from the AC vents, heater core, or evaporator. So, if you notice anything wrong with your HVAC system, try checking your air filter. It could be the problem.
Health Implications
It is important that we drive with a good air filter. This is because a clogged or dirty cabin air filter won’t filter those pollutants. It would make the air unsafe to Inhale, thereby causing difficulties for people with or without allergies or health conditions.
Offensive Odor
If you perceive a foul odor from your vents, you should try to change the cabin air filter. An excessively clogged air filter produces a dusty, irritating odor, especially with the HVAC turned on.
Bad Window Fog Clearing
Another danger of a bad cabin air filter is that the windshield won’t clear the fog quickly. A faulty cabin air filter creates condensation on the windshield. This is dangerous, especially during winter and fall seasons. However, this can be solved by replacing or cleaning your cabin air filter.
Signs I Need to Change My Cabin Air Filter
Most people don’t know when to change the cabin air filter of their cars. Therefore, manufacturers specify the time to change it according to the vehicle’s model. Some air filters must be changed every 15,000 miles while others need to be changed every 25000-30000 miles. So, you can go through your vehicle’s manual to confirm yours.
However, if you’ve misplaced the manual and have no idea how to go about it, you should pay attention to the signs below.
- Excessive loud noise when the heating or cooling system is in use.
- Poor running of the HVAC system even when it’s set to the highest. That is, there will be weak or unstable airflow.
- Unpleasant odors from the vehicle vents.
- Shrieking sounds coming from the cabin air intake ducts.
- Icy or Foggy windows with difficulties in cleaning.
Sometimes, the area where you drive can contribute to a faulty air filter. If you continuously drive in an urban clogged area with poor airflow quality, you might need to change your air filter frequently. A place with a desert climate can also get your filter clogged with dust.
Cost of a Cabin Air Filter
The cost of a cabin air filter is relative to the model of the car. Vehicles with higher specifications are more expensive than vehicles with low or average specifications. However, the average cost for a cabin air filter is between $15 and $25.
How to Change Cabin Air Filter
As stated earlier, the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box, beneath the dashboard, or under the hood. If it’s behind the glovebox, then there’s a high probability that you can fix it by removing the glovebox from the fasteners that hold it down. Also, your vehicle owner manual can guide you on removing the glove box.
However, it might not be easy to access if your cabin air filter is located under the hood or beneath the dashboard. In cases like this, you can contact a mechanic for help.
Also, if you are getting your car serviced, demand to see the cabin air filter before replacing it. If it’s not dirty or clogged or doesn’t smell bad, then you can wait.
How to Clean Cabin Air Filter?
Of course, you can clean some cabin air filters, which are reusable. But you cannot use them in a vehicle with an HVAC system. The first thing to do while cleaning is to set your hose on low pressure, then rinse from side to side, and top to bottom. After that, fill a container with soapy water, drown the filter in the soap water and soak for about 10 minutes. Repeat this in clean soap water if needed. Rinse, dry with a towel, and keep it under the sun.
Conclusion
If you detect any of the above signs in your cabin air filter, you should fix it immediately. Remember, driving with a damaged air filter is dangerous to your health and the rest of your system. If you need help on how to change air filter in car, or other car services, you are at the right place. At Mike Patton Auto, our group of competent workers will solve your car problems. Visit our website to schedule an appointment with us today.
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