Before
winter sets in is a good time to check your cabin air filter, after
it’s been working hard all spring, summer and fall. Cabin air filters
clean the incoming air and remove allergens, and according to the Car
Care Council, should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per
the owner’s manual.
The
cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases
that may find their way into a vehicle’s air conditioning and heating
and ventilation systems. The filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other
debris from entering the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning
(HVAC) system.
A
dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause musty odors in the vehicle
and cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that
passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in
the car compared to walking down the street. A restricted cabin air
filter can also impair airflow in the HVAC system, possibly causing
interior heating and cooling problems, important for staying comfortable
this winter. Over time, the heater and air conditioner may also become
damaged by corrosion.
Most filters are accessible through an access panel in the HVAC housing,
which may be under the hood or in the interior of the car. An
automotive service technician can help locate the cabin filter and
replace it according to the vehicle’s owner manual. Some filters require
basic hand tools to remove and install the replacement filter; others
just require your hands. Filters should not be cleaned and reinstalled;
instead, they should be replaced.
