When it comes to crucial car components, filters often take the back seat as opposed to parts like the engine, battery, brakes, and alternator. This is especially the case with the cabin filters, even though they are as crucial as the engine counterparts. These are the elements responsible for providing you with quality air throughout your rides, so they aren’t to be taken lightly.
Does Cabin Air Filter Affect Anything?
Yes, you may not think too much of it, but the car cabin air filter carries a crucial role which is to provide your car with a better smell. And, that’s not the only benefit this piece provides – by filtering the air that comes in the car’s cabin, it’s designed to keep pollen, dust, and other pollutants away so they don’t enter the passenger compartment.
While advantageous to everyone, it’s particularly beneficial for people with allergies, asthma, or respiratory conditions. Once the filter gets clogged, it doesn’t matter if you’re behind the wheel, or are just riding as a passenger, you’d be able to tell the difference in air flow, and presence of certain odours. Not to mention, you’d also be exposed to the risk of contaminants making their way into the car’s cabin.
The latest models of cabin air filters are designed to offer utmost protection thanks to details like layers of electrostatically-charged fleece material, added for the ability to trap particles of irritants that are as small as 0.001 microns in size. Additionally, there’s charcoal that helps filter cigarette smoke within the vehicle, as well as prevents smells like those from the exhaust from entering inside the passenger compartment.
This combines the best of both worlds, i.e. the particle (dust/pollen filter car model) and activated carbon filter type, so you get the best protection. The combination of both shields you from bacteria, mould spores so there’s no fear of mould buildup, soot, smoke, tyre dust, fuels, and harmful gasses like carbon monoxide. Not paying attention to the quality or maintenance would mean exposing yourself and other passengers to all these nasties.
How to Choose the Right Cabin Air Filter?
Since cabin air filters are available in different sizes and makes from a variety of brands, shopping can be a bit confusing. The first important thing to know is this type of filter doesn’t affect the car’s performance (just the HVAC system’s performance), so opting for one brand over another won’t make a difference in this area as the engine filter would. Another thing to know is you ought to pay attention to your owner’s manual to find the essential specs.
This is where you can find information about the location of the filter in the first place, which would come in handy when you have to remove and replace it. Your car’s make and model can be of help if your manual is missing, and you can easily do a checkup online to find the needed specs that would assist you with narrowing down the options of cabin filter for your vehicle. If you require some more help, a reliable retailer can be of assistance too when shopping online.
In case you’d like to get some more reassurance on the suitable type, you can also remove and measure up your existing filter. In general, this is a type of car piece that’s affordable and wouldn’t break your bank. The designs that are more durable and able to protect you better with certain upgrades can cost around $20 to $30, whereas the regular, i.e. traditional can be purchased for about $10. You can also come across bundles of two or three filters in a pack, offering a good savings solution.
Maintaining and Replacing the Cabin Air Filter
Simply deciding to choose the most durable and updated version of a cabin air filter replacement that can trap the smallest of particles isn’t enough if you want to ensure you get high air quality at all times; It’s necessary to also do your bit of maintenance. Maintaining it would prolong its lifespan, as well as improve overall airflow and prevent contaminants from accumulating with time.
This is why it’s crucial to make it your chore to regularly inspect and clean the HVAC components other than the filter, such as vents, air ducts, and evaporator coils. Be sure to keep an eye on those exterior ducts too, and equip yourself with the adequate soft brush for the job. If you know your way with compressed air, you could also rely on it. Much like you would regularly dust your home, you should dust the car’s cabin as well, focusing on the dashboard, console, door panels, and steering wheel.
This along with getting in the habit of vacuuming the seat covers and floor mats to reduce the likelihood of contaminants. In case of a spill accident inside, it’s best to clean up immediately to reduce the risk of mould growth. Additionally, pay attention to the door and window weather-stripping to ensure you always have the perfect seal. These small practices would make a huge difference in the air quality inside the car.
Although the auto cabin air filter is a part that can serve you well over 20,000 km (around 15,000 miles) of rides, or even as high as up to 48,000 km (30,000 miles) when you purchase one of the more high-end products, it’s still advisable to do your part in inspecting. Not just visually for dirt and debris, but also looking for signs like decreased airflow, presence of unpleasant odours, and even foggy windows. All these indicate it’s time for a filter change.
If you live in an urban area where the environment tends to be dusty and there are a lot of vehicles around, the replacement may be required more often. When it’s time for the replacement, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual for information on the whereabouts of the filter, and how you can proceed with the change. In some cars, it’s as simple as pressing some buttons to remove the glove box, whereas in others it may be more complex so it would require you to use a screwdriver.
Once you do get to the filter, it’s important to be mindful of how it’s placed so you know how to put the new one in. Since this is a step that would be accompanied by some dust and debris, be careful when withdrawing the old filter so you don’t spill these around. And, it’s also advisable to vacuum the area before adding the new one in. Then, as the final steps, you can proceed with the adding of the new filter, and finishing up with the glove box.
