You probably know about air filters—maybe you have one in your office or in your home or at least know somebody who does. Cars have cabin air filters. Cabin air filters are found on most later model vehicles. They ensure that the air stays clean inside your car, because when you are driving you are spending a good amount of time sitting there and you want the air to be of good quality.
But who knew there was a whole process behind how they work and how you should replace them? The folks at Miracle Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Gallatin, TN, have given us the scoop on what’s behind vehicle interior filters!
As you may have guessed, air filters catch pollen, dust and other airborne material that makes its way into the vehicle. This is great for people who have respiratory problems, like allergies.
It is recommended that one replaces a car’s air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on where and how frequently you drive. In the south and in a city you may have to get it replaced more often than driving in a northern rural area. Consult your owner’s manual maintenance schedule for your particular make and model.
How to Know When It’s Time for a New Filter
When your car smells bad all the time you may want to think about getting a new air filter. Also if you get more noise than results when you put your air conditioning on very high on a particularly hot day, then a new cabin air filter is probably in your near future.
The Actual Replacement
Perhaps you have heard from a dealership that you need to get the filter replaced. When you do this, ask about seeing the filter you currently have. You may be surprised as to what it has caught—maybe grime? Twigs? Leaves? Dead bugs? That’s nasty stuff and you’ll be convinced that you should have it replaced.
How The Mechanics Replace Your Car’s Air Filter
If your air filter needs replacing, then it is not a terribly complicated process to get it done. It may be done at the same time you get an oil change, so it is not a bad idea to get your mechanic to check out your air filter when you are there for that task! Your air filter may be underneath the dash between the blower and other heating, ventilating and air conditioning (referred to as “HVAC”) equipment. It could also be well-protected from moisture in the rear section of the outside air intake above the blower. Another place it could be found is in the outside air intake, and a mechanic can see it when they open the hood.
Now, the mechanic removes the air intake screen, held in place by plastic fasteners. The mechanic may have their own tools for removing the fasteners, but sometimes they can just do it by hand. They lift the old filter out of the case, and put the new one in and reattach the fasteners.
Image Source: carbot.org