What's a Cabin Air Filter and When Should You Replace It? The cabin air filter, a feature found on most late-model vehicles, cleans the air that comes into the interior through the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. It catches dust, pollen and other airborne material that can make riding in a car unpleasant, particularly if you have allergies or other respiratory problems. Recommendations on when it should be replaced vary by manufacturer — some say every 12,000 or 15,000 miles, others longer — and how often can depend on how much you drive and where. Check the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual. If you drive in heavy traffic in an urban area that has poor air quality, you could need to replace the filter annually or even more often. However, that also could be true in a desert climate where there is a lot of dust. Some signs that you need a new cabin air filter are reduced air flow through your HVAC system, such as when you crank up the fan too high and you get more noise than results.

Another is persistent bad odors. Even if you don't have these warnings, you should have the filter checked at least once a year, and you may be able to do that yourself. Many cabin air filters are located behind the glove box and are easily accessible by freeing the glove box from its fasteners (instructions should be in the owner's manual). Others are located under the dashboard and may not be easy to reach, or under the hood where fresh air enters the HVAC system. Some of these filters are expensive, as in $50 or more at dealerships, so you could save money by buying a replacement at a parts store and doing it yourself. If a dealership service department or repair shop recommends you get a new cabin air filter, ask to see the current one. Depending on how long the filter has been in service, you might be shocked at what you see: leaves, twigs, insects, soot and grime that literally cover the entire surface that comes in contact with incoming air. You'll know it's time for a new cabin air filter.

What's the musty smell coming from my A/C vents? Air-Conditioner Condenser: What You Need to Know Air Conditioning: What You Need to Know Air-Conditioning Compressor: What You Need to Knowhow big should my air conditioning unit beThe AC filter, also known as the cabin air filter, is an air filter whose purpose is to remove contaminants from the air that is ventilated through the vehicle's air conditioning system. air conditioners window units small windowThey serve to keep the cabin as comfortable as possible for the passengers by removing pollutants such as dust, dirt, and allergens. hvac heat pump costSimilar to an engine air filter, they also become dirty and clogged with use and need to be replaced periodically.

When a cabin air filter has become excessively dirty and needs to be replaced, it will usually display a few signs that it is time. 1. Reduced airflow from the AC vents One of the most common symptoms indicating that a cabin filter is in need of replacement is reduced airflow. Reduced airflow will appear in the form of less air being expelled from the AC system's vents. When the filter is dirty or clogged, less air is able to pass through and the air that is able to pass through requires more effort than normal. Not only will this cause the AC system to work less efficiently, it will also cause the engine to run less efficiently. 2. Reduced power output from the engine If the cabin air filter is clogged, an additional strain is placed on the AC blower motor. This additional strain will not only cause the blower motor to work harder and blow less air than it is designed to, it will also place an additional strain on the engine due to the higher demand of electricity.

In more severe cases the additional strain will result in a noticeable reduction of power when the AC is turned on. 3. Increased dust and allergens in the cabin Another sign that the cabin air filter needs to be replaced is that you may notice an increased amount of dust and possibly allergens in the cabin, if you are allergic. When a filter is clogged, it is no longer able to filter air efficiently, and the air that does pass through may not be adequately filtered. This may also be a potential sign that the AC filter may have been damaged or torn somehow, and is allowing unfiltered air to enter the cabin. The AC filter is a simple, but important part of the AC system. Making sure it is replaced when necessary will go a long way in maintaining the comfort and efficiency of your vehicle's AC system. If you suspect that your cabin filter may need to be replaced, this is something that any professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, should be able to assist you with both quickly and easily.

All auto filters are designed to prevent harmful debris from entering any parts where air and fluid flows, including your engine, radiator, fuel lines and more. Once a filter is no longer performing its intended function, decreased performance – even engine damage – can result. You’ve been reaping the benefits of filters your entire life. If you’ve ever used a furnace or air conditioning system at home, you’ve had to replace a filter from time to time. If you haven’t, well, you might want to go and check those out too. You can send us a thank you letter later – if you want. In the meantime, here’s what each automotive filter does: Air filter: Prevents harmful debris, dirt and contaminants from entering your engine. Cabin filter: An implementation that began appearing in vehicles in 2002, it prevents dust, pollen, dirt and other pollutants from entering your car through your A/C and heat vents. Fuel Filter: Keeps dirt, debris and contaminants from clogging your fuel lines and causing erratic, unstable fuel performance and reduced fuel economy.

Generally, it’s recommended that you get your filters replaced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, but check your owner’s manual for specifics about your vehicle’s filter replacement schedules. Time for a filter replacement? Any filter – home, auto or otherwise – will eventually age and become contaminated with pollutants and debris. When that happens, the filter loses its effectiveness and hinders the performance of the parts it is supposed to protect. When your air filter is dirty, your engine is forced to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy, higher emissions and, possibly, a loss of engine power. In turn, as a worst-case scenario, a clogged cabin air filter can lead to under-performance of the A/C system, causing weak air flow from the cabin vents. It can also lead to unwanted, unfiltered air in the cabin. As for a mucked-up fuel filter, that’ll land you with a weakened fuel supply to injectors, a reduction in engine power, poor acceleration and lousy fuel economy – not to mention a potential breakdown.

Replace old filters to avoid placing stress on other vital car parts. Find your new filter at Firestone Complete Auto Care. The benefits are car-saving and performance-enhancing. They protect vital car parts by keeping harmful debris at bay so your car runs right. Filters also ensure your car runs more efficiently. The cleaner your filter, the more it allows for the maximum flow of air or fluid through the system. Like a clogged drain, a dirty filter starves the system of the vital air or fluid and makes each system it protects work harder to do its job. Once filters are dirtied, they should be replaced. The purpose of each filter is clear: to trap and protect. Air filter: Engine protection is the name of the game. So is engine performance. Acceleration can improve up to 11% after an old, dirty air filter is replaced. Our Purolator Classic air filters are engineered to trap 96.5% of harmful contaminants that can damage your engine.* *Based on ISO 5011 on A13192

Cabin air filter: Made to prevent outside allergens and dust from entering your ride’s air vents. The benefit: it keeps the air that you breathe inside the cabin clean. They’re engineered to trap a whole bunch of things, including pollen, dust, mold spores, smoke, soot and smog – none of which belong in your nose. Fuel filter: The cleaner the fuel system, the more efficiently your vehicle will operate. Even a slight reduction in fuel flow can affect your vehicle’s overall performance and fuel economy. With a new fuel filter, you typically notice a boost in fuel efficiency and overall performance. And with the cost of gas these days, that savings can be significant. Time for new filters? Once a filter is old and full of crud, you’ll notice a decline in your vehicle’s operation. Filters are all about ensuring clean and pure performance. If you see a drop in fuel economy, a decrease in power and performance or notice the A/C and heating system just doesn’t appear to be working as well, it may be time to replace one or more filters.

Air filter: Old and dirty air filters lead to reduced engine power, decreased throttle response, weaker acceleration and increased engine wear. Well, it is, and you should have it replaced when it gets bad. Cabin air filter: As time passes, you may notice air flowing through your vents is weaker. This happens when the filter is REALLY mucked-up — in the worst case. You may also notice that there is a difference in air quality in the cabin when you’re on the road. This may be the result of unwanted, unfiltered air entering the cabin because the filter is dirty. Fuel filter: Replace your fuel filter if you start noticing reduced MPGs or sluggish engine performance (sputtering horsepower, dragging). Avoid these situations by replacing your fuel filter, regularly. If you delay a fuel filter replacement, you could clog a fuel injector completely with dirt or debris, cutting off fuel from the engine and making it stop. Now, that’s bad news. Check your owner’s manual or check your scheduled maintenance interval here.

New filters to get your ride flowing right. We’re a proud supplier of the latest and most effective Purolator filters by Bosch. We also carry Champ air and fuel filters. Both Bosch and Champ have been at the forefront of filter technology. Learn more about Bosch and Champ filters Schedule a filter installation today. Maintenance for most filter replacements is pretty simple. Put your right hand up. We just shared a virtual high five. Most air filters that need replacing only require us to remove and install the new filter. Some filters can be harder to reach, though, depending on your car’s make and model. Either way, we’ll let you know how long it’ll take to replace, and we’ll have you back on the road in no time. Get your new filter fast. Times vary, but most filters can be replaced quickly, provided they’re in an easy-to-reach place. However, more and more of today’s vehicle manufacturers are placing filters in trickier locations, largely for design and space efficiency purposes.