Have you ever changed your car’s cabin air filter? A surprising number of car owners aren’t aware that there’s a second air filter in their car, just for the passenger cabin. Skiles Automotive has some information for you about your cabin air filter and tips for keeping it in good condition for as long as possible.
Cabin Air Filter or Engine Air Filter?
There’s a big difference between your car’s cabin air filter and the engine air filter, although they do a roughly similar job. The engine air filter keeps debris out of your engine’s airflow, and the cabin air filter does the same thing for the passenger cabin of your car. They’re both crucial in different ways.
When to Change Your Cabin Air Filter
As with most services, your car’s manufacturer lists in the owner’s manual when you should change the cabin air filter. Often this is indicated in terms of mileage, such as every 30,000 miles, or the manufacturer could give you a timeframe, like a year. If you don’t know when the cabin air filter was last changed, it’s a good idea to go ahead and have that service done now, just in case.
Clogged Cabin Air Filters Cause Issues
Beyond passenger comfort and keeping the air cleaner in the passenger cabin, your cabin air filter can cause problems if it gets clogged. Your car’s heat and air conditioning won’t run as efficiently, for instance, and you might experience issues like fog on the inside of your windows that just won’t go away. The inside of your car might also start to smell bad, which definitely isn’t good news.
You Can Help Your Cabin Air Filter Last Longer
There’s a lot you can do to help your cabin air filter to keep doing its job well for as long as possible. When you vacuum the upholstery and carpeting, for instance, that keeps dust, debris, and allergens from getting sucked back into the air system and having to go through to the filter. Also, if you clean up spills that reduce the risk of mold forming on the cabin air filter, which is definitely something you want to avoid.
Many car owners find it difficult to get to the cabin air filter because it’s usually behind the glove box. Skiles Automotive in Bremen, IN is happy to take care of these types of tasks for you during routine service to make life easier and healthier for you.
