Why do we need to replace car cabin filter?

You are probably known that your vehicle’s engine has an air filter, but did you know that your car’s heating ventilation and air conditioning system may also have one? It calls a cabin air filter. The cabin air filter is an often-overlooked vehicle component. An air cabin filter is an important component in any vehicle’s heating and cooling system. It helps protect the passengers from contaminants in the air they breathe. Most customers decline to get it to replace. Whether it’s because they don’t know how important it is. However, changing your cabin air filter can make a huge difference in your vehicle’s performance.

The cabin air filter is a small pleated filter made of multi-fiber paper cotton or other engineered material. Before entering the passenger compartment, outside air is directed through this filter to trap the contaminants inside the filter and prevent them from entering the inside of your vehicle.

The Benefits of Changing Your Cabin Air Filter

Pollution– The filter blocks a lot of the smog and dirty exhaust let out by other vehicles on the road. Regularly changing out your air filter helps ensure these undesirable pollutants don’t find their way into your car’s cabin.

Debris – Air filters can be clogged with leaves, twigs, and other natural debris,  However, many drivers find their air filters clogged with leaves, twigs, acorns, and other natural debris, especially if they park in areas with lots of trees or bushes. These can have a huge effect on the efficacy of your air system, and need to be removed.

Allergens – Cabin air filters drastically help reduce the amount of allergens that can get into your vehicle. Allergens building up in your cabin air filter is more common in states that have massive pollen seasons, particularly areas with a large amount of oak trees. Regardless of where you live, however, it’s important to change your air filter so that you don’t have to deal with any allergens getting into your vehicle.

Reduced Efficacy– When your cabin air filter gets clogged, your air conditioner has to work harder to push cool air through the filter. This can result in a noisy or ineffective air conditioning system. This can be a huge pain during those hot summer months — if your air filter is full of debris and dirt, it’ll take way longer for your cabin to cool down.

Engine Strain – Because your air conditioner or heater has to work harder to cool or heat your car’s cabin, your engine has to work harder to power these systems. Surprisingly, having a clogged filter can actually impact your fuel efficiency because your engine is having to put out more energy than it should.

Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter

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.

If you do plan to replace it yourself, consider buying a replacement filter at an auto parts store or website to save money. The average cost for a cabin air filter is between $15 and $25. Higher-end cars have more expensive parts, and they might only be available through dealerships. 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. We do recommend going to the repair shop let the technician do it.