While you can run a car without a cabin air filter, it's still important to replace it.
First, you will likely be too hot or too cold. If you own a vehicle manufactured in the past decade, your onboard computer will try to compensate for the lack of an air filter by altering the power supplied to the fans, but that can reduce the lifespan of the entire climate control system.
What If You Don't Change Your Cabin Air Filter Enough? A cabin air filter that's dirty or clogged won't filter contaminants, and could cause problems for those who suffer from allergies or have breathing difficulties.
Driving without an air filter will let more fine dust in to the engine. This makes the engine wear out a bit faster than it normally would. The more you drive through super dusty or sandy areas, the more harmful it is.
This is the part of the vehicle that also controls the heating and ventilation. Its main function is to filter out dust, mould spores and other airborne contaminants that can end up creating problems for everyone in the car or damaging parts of the vehicle.
Ignoring the replacement of a dirty or clogged pollen filter can lead to poor air quality inside the car, resulting in potential respiratory issues and reduced HVAC system performance, among other performance-related problems.
If the cabin air filter is excessively clogged, it can restrict airflow to the engine compartment, affecting the combustion process. Reduced airflow may lead to inefficient fuel burning, which can result in decreased power output and sluggish acceleration.
Cabin air filters stop debris from getting in the blower motor housing, and they remove pollen, dust, and toxins from the air. Without the filter installed, dirt can build up on the blades of the fan and inside the motor housing. This can overheat the unit and knock the fan off balance.
Running your AC for any time without an air filter is not recommended due to the permanent damage it can cause to the HVAC system. Dirt and dust that is normally absorbed by the filter can make its way into the AC system and wreak havoc on the mechanical components, often leading to expensive repairs.
Cabin air filters help drastically reduce the amount of allergens that can get into your vehicle. Pollen could easily get into your vehicle without the cabin air filter, and the less often you change your filter, the more pollen that will build up, which could cause more of it to get into your vehicle.
If you take your vehicle to your dealer for service, they will likely replace the air cabin filter with a manufacturer-approved version that can run from around $40 to upwards of $100. If you replace the filter yourself, it can be as affordable as $18 to $28.
Although most manufacturers suggest a new pollen filter every year (or 12,000 to 15,000 miles), if you regularly drive in very polluted cities or rural areas with lots of pollen, you may need to change yours more often.
If you don't change your filter, you'll run into problems down the road. Why should I care if my filter is full? A dirty, old cabin air filter can have a negative effect on your vehicle. When your cabin air filter is clogged, airflow is restricted.
The answer depends on your vehicle's make, model, and year, but generally, you should replace the cabin air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles. You can find your vehicle's recommended interval in your owner's manual. To find the specific recommendation for your vehicle, you should reference your owner's manual.
While cleaning may extend the filter's life slightly, it does not restore the material to its optimal condition. Replacing your cabin air filter ensures you have a fresh, efficient barrier against contaminants, improving air quality and vehicle performance.
A clogged air filter can cause more harm than good. During the day, your AC should cycle on and off, but a dirty air filter can make those cycles more frequent than they should be. Cycling is not only noisy, but it also wastes energy.
Is my AC not working because of the filter? Potentially, yes. While there are a whole host of issues that could cause problems with your air conditioning system, a dirty air filter should be the first thing to check if your central air conditioning unit isn't working as properly as it should.
Maintaining it properly is key, but what happens if you're caught without a replacement filter during maintenance? You might wonder about the risks of running your AC without a filter, even temporarily. The simple answer is: not for long. Ideally, your AC should never operate without a filter for more than 6-8 hours.
You might notice your car gasping for air, metaphorically speaking, with symptoms like reduced fuel efficiency, misfiring engine, or unusual engine noises. In the long run, driving without a proper air filter can lead to major engine damage. And trust me, that's a bill you don't want to see.
While the cabin air filter's primary function is to protect the air inside your vehicle, its condition can indirectly affect engine performance. A clogged filter can lead to increased pressure within the HVAC system, which can put additional strain on the engine.
Dust, pollen, mould, dander, germs and debris that a clogged air filter can no longer filter out will be recirculated back into your environment. This is especially dangerous for people with allergies and respiratory conditions. Immediate issues could include headaches, itchy eyes or throat, and dizziness.
This will vary based on your vehicle, however, a cabin air filter replacement could run anywhere between $30 and $70.
Just like how a low fan speed on a hot day will never make you feel cold enough, a clogged cabin air filter restricts airflow, which can make your AC seem less effective. So, while a new cabin air filter might not make your AC 'colder,' it certainly contributes to a cooler and more comfortable cabin experience.