Of all the routine maintenances that your vehicle needs, replacing the cabin air filter is probably not at the top of your list. It may not even be on your list at all. For most drivers, the cabin filter is one of those out of sight, out of mind objects. However, replacing your cabin air filter has countless benefits for not only your vehicle's overall longevity but also, and most importantly, to your and the other passengers' health.
The primary purpose of a cabin air filter is to filter the air that is fed into the vehicle's heating and air conditioning systems and prevent pollutants, such as dust, pollen, smog, and mold spores from entering the vehicle and polluting the cabin.
Besides improving the air quality, replacing the cabin air filter may prevent the need for an expensive repair. When the filter is badly clogged, the heater or air conditioner will work harder and the blower motor can burn up. The filter basically prevents leaves, bugs, and other debris from entering the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system.
A big factor in determining the best time to replace the filter depends on how often you drive your vehicle, the area you drive in, and whether you drive in heavy traffic or not.
Most manufacturers say that you should replace the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 25,000 km or once a year. You should always check your owner's manual first. The best time to check the condition of the cabin air filter and see whether it needs replacement is right before winter sets in. After all, it's been working hard cleaning the air entering your vehicle all of spring, summer, and fall.
Changing a cabin air filter is fairly easy and quite possibly the simplest maintenance job you can perform independently.
If you are having a hard time replacing your cabin air filter, the Right Way Auto Repair team is here to help you, so you have your ride in a tip-top condition with healthy air in the passenger compartment.