The Importance of air filter and cabin filter for Clean Air Inside Your Vehicle
As drivers, we tend to think more about the engine and the brakes compared to the air filter and cabin filter. However, these filters play an essential role in keeping the air fresh and contaminants-free inside our vehicle. Find out why air filter and cabin filter maintenance is crucial!
What is an Air Filter?
Also known as the engine air filter, it is a paper or foam filter situated inside the intake manifold. It serves to improve the quality of the air that enters the engine. Dust, pollen, dirt, and other debris are prevented from entering the combustion chamber, which causes engine damage
What is a Cabin Filter?
The cabin filter, also known as the pollen or HVAC filter, is responsible for cleaning the air you breathe inside the car. It is usually located behind the glove box or under the dashboard. Designed to trap dust, pollutants, and other allergens, it ensures that the air flowing inside your vehicle is clean and fresh.
Why is Air Filter and Cabin Filter Cleaning Important?
The primary function of the air filter and cabin filter is to purify the air coming in and out of your vehicle. An unclean or worn-out filter will reduce engine performance and cause inadequate and polluted air inside the car. Hence it’s crucial to regularly check and clean them.
When to Replace the Filters?
Air filter replacement is recommended every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. However, if you frequently drive in dusty or polluted areas, it would be best to replace it more often. In contrast, the cabin filter should be replaced once every year, or every 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. Of course, if you have allergies or respiratory problems that require cleaner air, check more often.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean or Replace the Filters?
If you neglect filter cleaning or replacement, the engine and the car’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system may be impacted. Unclean air filters create a scarcity of clean air, which causes poor fuel economy, engine clogs, and bad odor in the vehicle, among other issues. A dirty cabin filter, meanwhile, doesn't clean the air coming inside your car, so you breathe in unclean air that may cause respiratory problems and other allergies.
How to Clean the Filters?
Air filters may need to be replaced, but they can sometimes be cleaned and reused. Cleaning is a simple process that involves brushing or washing the element with water and letting it dry before reinstallation. Cleaning the cabin filter is effortless too. You must locate it in your vehicle and replace it if it looks soiled. If it's reusable, you can decide to clean it by tapping it, vacuuming, or blowing dust off to remove debris.
What are the Benefits of Regular Filter Maintenance?
Ignoring regular filter maintenance can cost money and impact the performance of your car. Regular filter maintenance will:
- Optimize the engine's performance
- Prevent the need for costly repairs later on
- Ensure cleaner air inside the vehicle
- Remove bad odors from the car
- Save fuel, which in turn reduces your carbon footprint
In conclusion,
Cleaning and maintaining your vehicle's air filter and cabin filter is crucial to keep the air fresh and free of dirt and pollutants to ensure you breathe clean air while driving. Regular filter maintenance helps extend the life of your engine, reduce pollution and improve fuel efficiency, saving you money in the long run.