Is it Time to Replace the Cabin Air Filter in Your Vehicle?
How can you tell when it’s time to replace cabin air filters in your vehicle? There are many parts to your vehicle that require regular maintenance, and air filters are no different. As Car and Driver reminds us, cabin air filters remove harmful pollutants, including pollen and dust, from the air coming through the blowers. This allows drivers and passengers to have clean, fresh air flow every time they are in the vehicle.
Located behind the glove box, the cabin air filter cycles the air that comes through the heating and cooling system. As you can imagine, a faulty filter can have an effect on the heating and air conditioning in your vehicle, but more on that later.
Have we put your cabin air filter in your mind? When is the last time you changed the cabin air filter? This month, we’re going to point out some of the signs that your filter needs replacing, and how to keep up with preventive maintenance for your vehicle.
Signs that Your Cabin Air Filter Needs Replacing
You may not realize at first that your cabin air filter needs replacing. There are a few signs that may help you notice it ahead of time, including:
- A foul, musty smell
- Reduced air flow with air conditioning or heating
- Whistling noise when the heat or air is on
- Lower gas mileage
- You’ve driven over 15,000 miles since the last replacement
- Feeling the effects of asthma or allergies when in the vehicle
As you can see, some of these can be very frustrating, especially when neglected. Lack of air flow can even affect other aspects of your vehicle, like defrosting windows. If you notice these signs, make an appointment at Bass Transmissions. Our experienced mechanics can help you to determine if it is time to replace the cabin air filter or if there is another issue at hand.
Many vehicle owners may try to replace their cabin air filters themselves. It’s best to have a professional clean all parts of the cabin air filter, making sure that we leave no stone unturned.
Feeling the Effects in Your Vehicle’s HVAC System
As we mentioned, one of the side effects of a dirty cabin air filter is a faulty HVAC system in your vehicle. The clogged filters can stop the air from coming in so seamlessly, causing your fans and vents to work harder. You may notice that even at full speed the vents are not providing the same air they used to. If your windows are frosted or fogged, you may notice that it takes much longer for the air to fix the issue.
If your vehicle’s HVAC system is not working like it used to, call your mechanic right away. At Bass Transmissions, we’ll be sure to check the cabin air filter first to either make the replacement or find the issue at hand.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance of Your Vehicle
When many vehicle owners think of maintenance, they think of oil changes, changing windshield wipers, and checking fluids. But a lot more goes into regular vehicle maintenance, like replacing cabin air filters. Keeping dust, pollen, and other contaminants is one way to keep your vehicle clean and functional for years to come. Our mechanics know how important your vehicle is to you, so make sure to treat it as such!
If you’re not sure when to replace the cabin air filter, check your owner’s manual – the make and model of your vehicle matters in determining what kind of filter you need. Your mechanic can also check over the filter and determine whether or not it is time for a new one.
Cars.com recommends that those who live in high-pollution areas or drive in heavy traffic replace their cabin air filter more often. This will ensure that you are always breathing in clean, fresh air when driving or riding in the car.
How to Keep Your Vehicle and Cabin Air Filters Fresh for Longer
There are ways to keep your cabin air filter fresher for longer. Dusting, cleaning floor mats, vacuuming seats and floors, and cleaning up spills can all help to keep the air in the vehicle feeling fresh and clear.
Dust, cigarette smoke, and food or drink spills can all add up over time, leaving your car feeling dirty and with poor air quality. Keep this in mind when changing your cabin air filter, as it may affect the lifespan of the filter.
Call on Bass Transmissions to Replace Cabin Air Filters in Roanoke, VA
Bass Transmissions in Roanoke, VA, replaces cabin air filters for vehicle owners throughout the area. We can replace the cabin air filter in your vehicle to give you the clean, fresh air you need. Our mechanics also offer air conditioning services in the event that there are other problems than the filter. Call us today to schedule service.
Keep in mind that not all vehicle models have a cabin air filter. However, most HVAC systems are similar and can have a cabin air filter added. Just talk to our mechanics or review your owner’s manual for more information.
Are you looking for a new, experienced mechanic? Call Bass Transmissions & Automotive Repair in Roanoke, VA, at (540) 345-8871 or follow us on Facebook for updates. Ask us about replacing cabin air filters.
