When the heat or air conditioning is on, a moldy smell in your car is an indicator of a dirty cabin air filter. Like other parts, the cabin air filter is crucial, yet it seldom crosses in many drivers' minds.
But, what is the work of a car's cabin air filter?
Your vehicle's cabin air filter cleans the air that enters the car via the heating and air conditioning system. It holds pollen, dust, and other pollutants from the air to ensure clean airflow for all passengers' safety.
Apart from improving every passenger's health, the cabin air filter will save you the cost of frequent car maintenance. Contaminated air will hinder continuous airflow and force your car's ventilation system to work more than usual. It will also reduce the air conditioner's efficiency.
If not changed, a dirty cabin air filter will damage your air conditioning altogether.
How often should you replace your cabin air filter?
Having your car's cabin air filter replaced regularly is a priceless solution to keeping you and other passengers comfortable. Also, it is a sure way of having an excellent ventilation system.
As much as every vehicle has a cabin air filter, their replacement period depends on your car's model, make, and year. So, it is essential to check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual.
Generally, you should change your cabin air filter after every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. But note that it also depends on where you drive. If you usually drive in an urban area with low air quality, you will probably replace the cabin air filter more often.
If you don't know if it's time to change your car's cabin air filter, you may notice the following warning signs:
- Reduced airflow through your car's HVAC system
- Persistent bad odors even when the air conditioning system is on
- Too much dust settled on your vehicle's interior surfaces
Whether you are experiencing these signs or not, you should have a cabin air filter checked at least once a year.
Do you need your car's cabin air filter replaced? Visit our auto repair shop today.
