You are probably aware that your vehicle’s engine has an air filter, but did you know that your car’s HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) system also has one? This is commonly known as the cabin air filter, it performs the same duties for your HVAC system as the engine air filter does for your car’s engine. The cabin air filter is a small pleated filter made of multi-fiber paper cotton and other engineered material. Before entering the passenger compartment, outside air is directed through this filter to trap the contaminants inside the filter and prevent them from entering the inside of your vehicle.
How Does a Cabin Air Filter Work?
Clean air is important to your vehicle running properly. The cabin air filter keeps dust, pollen, dirt, bacteria and exhaust gases from entering into the HVAC system of your car. It also keeps a steady stream of clean air flowing into your car. The cabin air filter keeps the inside of your car fresh and helps others breathe easy.
How do I know if my air filter needs to be changed?
Your vehicle will not inform you when you need to change your cabin filter. However, there are a few warning signs that you should keep in mind when you should change the filter.
- Reduced air circulation
- Diminished A/C or heating performance
- Musty odor in the cabin of the vehicle
- Whistling noise
How often do you need to change the cabin air filter?
It is recommended to change the cabin air filter annually or every 12,000 miles. If you drive in heavily polluted areas or traveling on dirt roads, you should change the filter every 5,000 miles. If you suffer from allergies, it is best to change the cabin filter more often.
Performance Auto Specialists
If you are in Wilmington, NC or the surrounding community, come see how we keep your vehicle running longer. Stop by the shop or make an appointment today to see why Wilmington chooses Performance Auto Specialists for their auto repair needs. Read our Reviews here and here. We have more than 700 reviews from highly satisfied customers. You could be one today!
For your foreign car maintenance needs. Performance Auto Specialists offers affordable, reliable repair and maintenance to Wilmington residents since 1991. Our team of trained technicians and master mechanics diagnose and repair problems with nearly any make or model of vehicle with state of the art computer diagnostics and good old-fashioned hard work. We specialize in European auto repair and are proud to be the area’s go to gearheads for servicing BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Volkswagen, Mini, Jaguar, Audi, and Porsche.
Tags: air filter, auto mechanics in Wilmington, BMW maintenance Wilmington, BMW service Wilmington, cabin air filter, cabin air filter importance, cabin air filter maintenance, car care, car care Wilmington, filter maintenance, importance of cabin air filter, preventative maintenance