When your air filter is dirty, your engine is forced to work harder, resulting in poor fuel economy, higher emissions and, possibly, a loss of engine power. In turn, as a worst-case scenario, a clogged cabin air filter can lead to under-performance of the A/C system, causing weak air flow from the cabin vents.

A symptom of a bad or failing cabin air filter is an unusual odor coming from the vehicle’s interior vents. An excessively contaminated filter may produce a dusty, dirty, or musty smell. The smell may become more pronounced when the AC system is turned on and may make the cabin uncomfortable for the drivers & passengers.

If you don’t change your cabin air filter, the filter will become more clogged with dirt and debris and the efficiency of the filter and your car’s HVAC system will be compromised. The air volume into your passenger compartment will be continually reduced which will lead to the issues of foul odors & bad air quality inside your car.

Just like your air filter at home, cabin filters for cars should be replaced once or twice a year. There are several factors that can impact the performance of the cabin air filters. Dust, road grime, leaves and other particulate matter that clogs the filter and slows the air flow. Humidity and moisture can be other factors that can impact the performance of the filter.

In reality, However, anytime you feel that the flow of air inside the car is being disrupted or weakened, it is time to replace the cabin filter. Some would prefer to replace the filter after pollen season and ahead of the hot summer and or after fall when dry leaves and debris are over. This is to ensure proper flow of cold air in the summer or hot air for defrosting in the winter.   Others prefer to replace the filter ahead of the allergy season. In essence, this is not a “mechanical” car question, it Is rather a judgment call that drivers and passengers need to make any time the flow of air inside the car is weekend weakened or a musty odor is sensed.  

The heart of a vehicle is the engine. It’s vital to the overall health of a vehicle, and to function properly, engines need a steady flow of clean air. If the air is not filtered before entering the engine, particulate matter of any size could potentially clog the engine and cause serious damage. Engine air filter solves this problem by trapping airborne contaminants and ensuring consistent airflow. The typical pleated design of an air filter increases the surface area for contaminant capture, while the filter’s materials contribute to the effectiveness of capturing microparticles.

Engine air filters play an important role in vehicle performance. If an engine air filter is dirty or missing, harmful debris can enter the engine cylinders and cause serious damage to the motor. Additionally, a high-quality filter can ensure that a powerful supply of clean air reaches the engine, thereby improving performance.

The air filter in a car generally needs to be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. There are many factors that play a role in how frequently your car’s filter will need to be replaced, including the type of car you drive, the type of filter in the car, the road conditions you drive in, and the weather elements your car is exposed to. This is why the filter is checked during routine auto service to determine exactly when yours should be replaced. Also, if your car is not driven frequently, the air filter should still be replaced every three years as it can become brittle and crack or break.

The air filter in your car works very much like the air filters found in your HVAC system in your home. As air blows through the filters, dirt and dust gets trapped in the filter. Over time, the filter becomes full. If this occurs, air can’t travel through the filter like it should. Some of the debris can blow into the engine or the engine may not get the airflow it needs.

The air filter in your car helps to filter the air that is entering the engine. It prevents dust, dirt, contaminants, and other debris from entering your engine. If these contaminants enter your engine, your engine will have to work harder. This can impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and decrease the lifespan of your engine.