Cabin air filters are the hidden heroes of having a comfortable environment while driving. Most individuals are unaware of their existence. They have a job to complete, and that task gets them dirty, just like any other filters in your car. Knowing when to clean a cabin air filter or recognize when a new filter is required is essential for proper cabin air filter maintenance. These filters are found in the majority of cars built after 2000, and depending on normal driving conditions, manufacturers typically advise replacing them every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, or around once a year.
PURPOSE
Cabin air filters assist in removing tiny particles such as dust, mold, pollen, and others from the air inside your car that may be unpleasant or harmful to breathe in. Environmental toxins can irritate people when they pass through a filthy filter. Additionally, the effectiveness of the heating and cooling systems for the inside of the automobile might be impacted by a filthy or clogged filter.
REMOVAL
Although some are under the hood, just behind the firewall, most cabin air filters are found on the passenger side, under the glove box. There might be one or two, depending on the automobile. Check your owner’s handbook to learn how to remove the filter(s) properly as different vehicles have different methods for doing so. In certain cases, disconnecting the glove box is also necessary. Despite how simple it is to remove the filters, treat them carefully to avoid ripping them. Any amount of wear requires replacement.
DEBRIS
You’ll see that one side is dirtier than the other once the filter has been removed. Look for fading, a buildup of dirt or dust, and rips or distorted pleats. By hand, clear the area of any sticks, bigger debris, or other gathered items.
CLEANING DIFFERENT FILTER TYPES
There are fabric, carbon, and paper cabin air filters. Never clean paper filters; always replace them. Some fabric and carbon filters can withstand washing and are reusable. Apply water with a hose set at low pressure, sweeping from top to bottom, from clean side to filthy side. Then pour soapy water into a container, immerse, splash around, and let sit for at least 10 minutes. Rinse it off and let it air dry on a towel in the sun. Repeat as necessary with a fresh batch of clean, soapy water. Reinstall only when everything has dried sufficiently to avoid developing mold. A reusable filter can only be washed so many times before it begins to appear ragged or dirty.
Maintaining your cabin air filter is an easy method to enhance the quality of the air and boost the effectiveness of your heating and cooling systems.
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