If you are concerned about your health and that of your passengers, changing cabin air filters is very important. Here is the reason. When you are driving, exhaust gases from vehicles in front of you, as well as pollen and other harmful substances, are pulled into your car as if you are driving inside of a tunnel. Because you are in an enclosed space that is rather compact, the concentrations of these substances can be six to ten times greater than they are outside.
The cabin air filter works much like the air filter in your home’s heating and air conditioning system, filtering out all the harmful substances. A dirty, clogged cabin filter will not be able to trap those airborne allergens, dirt, and dust causing you to breathe air that is dirtier than it is outside. This is certainly not healthy for anyone, but especially for those who deal with environmental allergies and asthma.
According to John O’Connor at Shade Tree Garage, “Cabin air filters are designed to prevent dirt, pollen and other debris from entering the passenger compartment of your vehicle through the climate control system. Because many car owners are unaware these filters exist, they are driving around with cabin filters that are clogged.”
Just like these air filters, your vehicle’s cabin air filter needs to be replaced regularly. A dirty, clogged cabin filter will not be able to trap those airborne allergens, dirt, and dust. That means you and your passengers are breathing in air filled with all sorts of environmental contaminants. Additionally, the performance of your vehicle’s heating and air conditioning system is affected when cabin filter is clogged.
The frequency for changing the cabin air filters depends on the area in which you live. If you have to drive on dirt roads, you may have to replace the filters more often. Most automotive manufacturers recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. At the very least, the cabin air filter should be replaced once a year.
Where the cabin air filter is located determines how easily it is to replace. If it is located behind the dashboard, gaining access may be more difficult than if it is located in the engine compartment. You can find out more by reading the owner’s manual for your vehicle.
If you’ve never had the cabin air filter changed in your vehicle, you may want to consider having it done by the trusted experts at Shade Tree Garage. Click here to schedule an appointment in our Morristown, New Jersey, auto repair shop. title=”Contact info for Shade Tree Garage in Morristown, NJ.”