When did you last change your Cabin Filter?
I saw something today that inspired me to write this post, but unlike the painter Monet inspired to fill his canvas by the beauty around him, or Michelangelo taken aback by the human figure, this is what brought me to the keyboard today
If you don’t know what you’re looking at there, underneath all the dirt and debris is a cabin air filter, and it’s possible you’ve been neglecting yours too. But what is it, what does it do, and why should you care?
What Is a Cabin Air Filter?
The cabin air filter is a small, pleated unit typically located behind the glove box or under the dashboard. Its job is to filter the air that comes through your car’s HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, trapping dust, pollen, smog, mold spores, and other airborne particles. In essence, it ensures that the air inside your car is clean and breathable.
Why Replacing It Matters
1. Improved Air Quality
Over time, cabin air filters become clogged with debris. A dirty filter can’t effectively clean the air, allowing allergens, pollutants, and odors to circulate through your car’s interior. This can be particularly problematic for people with allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
2. Better HVAC Performance
A clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow through the ventilation system. This forces your HVAC system to work harder, which can lead to reduced heating and cooling efficiency. In extreme cases, it may even cause your system to overheat or malfunction.
3. Extended System Life
A clean air filter helps protect your HVAC system from dirt and debris that could otherwise accumulate on sensitive components like the blower motor or evaporator core. Regular replacements can reduce wear and tear and help you avoid costly repairs down the line.
4. Enhanced Fuel Efficiency
While the cabin air filter doesn’t directly affect the engine, a strained aircon system can increase the load on your car's electrical system. Over time, this added strain can lead to a minor but noticeable decrease in fuel efficiency.
How Often Should You Replace It?
We would recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 20000km, but this can vary based on the conditions where your vehicle is used. If you drive in urban areas with high pollution, or out in the bush with lots of dust or pollen, more frequent changes might be necessary. We check your filter as part of a standard or logbook service, but if you start to notice restricted airflow from your blowers, it might be time to get it changed.
A Small Investment With Big Returns
Cabin filters are a relatively inexpensive maintenance item that are often overlooked, even by mechanics, but here at Murrumba Auto Care we’ll steer you in the right direction. If you think it might be time to replace yours, or that time to get the service done is rolling around, don’t hesitate to give us a call!