Believe it or not, the cabin filter can have a strong impact on your vehicle's power and air conditioning system. If the filter is clogged, you may need to turn on the air conditioner, which will put a lot of strain on the entire system. Cabin air filters are designed to capture dust, insects, leaves and other types of debris. A dirty air filter can reduce the cooling capacity of your air conditioner and, after a while, could cause serious damage to the system.
It's important to note that a dirty engine air filter can also cause engine performance problems. This is because your car needs more than 10,000 gallons of oxygen for every gallon of fuel burned. Cabin air filters that require replacement are often clogged. This blockage reduces airflow to air conditioning systems, affecting HVAC efficiency. As a result, the cooling and heating capacity of your car will be limited.
In addition, it will put a lot of pressure on the system, which could lead to a blowout. If you frequently travel to cities with poor air quality or with a lot of construction, if you drive in the desert or on dusty roads, or if you spend your weekends off-roading, you may need to clean your cabin filter more regularly. If you haven't changed your car's cabin air filter, you may notice one or more of the following indicators: an increase in air volume or blowing noise; a dirty, dusty, or damp smell from the car's interior vents; and fog that accumulates on windows. Rich White, Executive Director of the Car Care Council, makes a strong case for air filter replacement, saying: “Checking the cabin air filter is a simple preventive maintenance step that goes a long way in protecting passengers, as well as the vehicle's HVAC system.”Cabin air filters are small pleated filters made of multifiber cotton sheets or manufactured fabric. However, when they get dirty with dirt, debris, and other pollutants, your car's air may not feel or smell as fresh. When large particles reach the cabin air filter, they not only obstruct the passage of air and prevent it from filtering properly but also generate a large amount of noise as the air flows through the ventilation grilles. This poor airflow causes the vehicle system to malfunction and makes it difficult to remove condensation from windows.
This is the most serious risk for anyone who does not change their cabin air filter because it can lead to an acute failure of a major vehicle safety system that will be very expensive to repair. The compressor is responsible for circulating the refrigerant and moving it through a series of stages that cause heat to be transferred out of the car so that cold air enters. Although specific guidelines for replacing your vehicle's cabin air filter are often provided in the owner's manual, here are some basic steps for changing your car's cabin filter:
- Locate and remove the old filter.
- Check for any signs of damage or wear.
- Install a new filter.
- Check for proper fitment.
