Cabin Air Filters are designed to reduce the number of harmful contaminants entering your vehicle via the air conditioning system; it filters out dust, pollen and other airborne particles, providing a much cleaner breathing environment for you and your passengers. 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.

In most cars, the cabin air filter sits behind the glovebox. You might be 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, therefore you should consider taking it to a qualified mechanic to change.

If you do plan to replace it yourself, consider buying a replacement cabin air  filter at a Value Auto Parts near you by clicking here.

Reasons to change your Cabin Air Filter on time: 

1. To breathe fresher air – Dirty or excessively clogged cabin air filters can produce a dusty, musty stench, especially when the air conditioning system is turned on. Changing your cabin air filter at regular intervals will ensure that your passengers don’t have to wind down their windows in the dead of winter to get some fresh air.
2. To avoid safety and visibility issues – Another problem that arises when airflow is compromised is that windows won’t clear as quickly. Also, the diminished air quality that comes from a cabin air filter that’s overdue to be replaced allows condensation to form on the windshield. Once the cabin air filter is replaced, there will be less fog buildup on the windshield.
3. To increase the life of your car’s A/C heating system – A clogged cabin filter can reduce the volume of air that can pass through. This means air passing through the air-conditioning system slows down, thus reducing the flow of air into the cabin of the car. Vehicle owners may have to turn up the fan settings on their air conditioner to compensate for the reduced airflow, putting a strain on the air-conditioning system as it tries to blow more air into the cabin.
4. To avoid Reduced Horsepower – A vehicle’s engine provides power for the air-conditioning system’s components. When the cabin filter is clogged, the system has to work harder and requires more power from the engine to do so. This reduces power to other components such as the drive train and alternator. As more power is diverted into meeting the needs of the air-conditioning system, overall horsepower and performance can suffer.

Some possible telltale signs to your Cabin Air Filter needs to be replaced: 

1. Musty or moldy smells inside the car
2. Reduced air flow through the interior vents
3. Foggy or icy windows take much longer to clear
4. A whistling noise coming from the air vents
5. Allergy symptoms increase during longer rides in your car

On average Cabin Air Filters should be changed every 15,000 kms or at least once a year. The time to change your cabin air filter is also dependent on your environment, if it is dusty then you might need to change it more often. Get to know  more about other filters in your car by clicking here.