When it comes to car maintenance, one of the most important things to keep in mind is the air filter. The air filter helps keep your car's air clean by trapping dirt, debris, and other harmful contaminants before they enter your cabin. Without the air filter, all of that would enter the combustion chamber of your engine, resulting in poorer performance and lower fuel efficiency. Over time, debris builds up and the filter needs to be replaced to continue operating efficiently.
If you don't change it, you could encounter all kinds of permanent damage, including engine failure. You can visually check the engine air filter to see if it looks dirty or if it is full of debris. The cabin air filter also plays an important role in keeping your car running smoothly. It prevents pollution such as dirt, dust, smoke, smog, pollen, mold spores and exhaust gases from entering a vehicle's cabin through the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
While the cabin air filter is easy to access, be careful not to break any of the clips or pins that hold it. A good rule of thumb is to replace your cabin air filter every February, before spring allergy season hits, especially if you live in an area with lots of trees. I have attended seminars explaining that 75% of engine damage occurs in the first 25% of the life of air filters. If you've driven more than that since the last time you changed your air filter, it's probably time to change it.
Be sure to monitor your air filter and replace it when you start to notice signs that it is clogged, and keep your car in perfect condition for as long as possible. A dirty or clogged cabin air filter will not filter out those contaminants, causing problems for people suffering from allergies or having difficulty breathing. If you've recently noticed that you need to refill your gas tank more often than usual, it's probably time to check your air filter. Just because a cabin air filter doesn't directly affect your vehicle moving from point A to point B doesn't mean you should delay buying a new one or not replacing it at all. Keep in mind that if you are driving in a sandy or dusty area, you may need to change the filter more often than the recommended time for your vehicle.
When the engine air filter is dirty, air cannot pass through the filter to the engine, affecting the car's entire emission control system. Changing the cabin air filter is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance and ignoring it can cause some rather uncomfortable effects. In conclusion, it is essential to keep up with regular maintenance on your car's air filters in order to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency. Be sure to visually check the engine air filter and replace it when necessary. Additionally, replace your cabin air filter every February before spring allergy season hits for maximum protection against pollutants.