A cabin air filter left too long will make your vehicle's HVAC system work harder, which could eventually cause the motor to burn out. Dirty or clogged cabin air filters will also reduce the amount of air flowing from the vents.
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.
Can I run my car without a cabin air filter? While you can run a car without a cabin air filter, it's still important to replace it.
Failing to change a cabin air filter can lead to several serious consequences, including decreased air quality, reduced heating and air conditioning system performance, increased strain on the vehicle, and increased emissions.
It's ideal, however, to replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles (more frequently if you live in a densely populated area or a big city). Regularly changing the air filter can also improve engine performance.
The cabin air filter replacement interval can vary depending on your exact vehicle and driving conditions. However, the general rule of thumb is to replace your cabin air filter every 15,000 miles or so. We suggest you reference your owner's manual or speak to our team of experts for specifics.
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.
As the system is working harder to get around clogged air filters, it can cause the entire system to overwork and eventually break. If this happens, you'll need to replace the entire system, which can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000.
Most cabin air filters can be replaced in less than 15 minutes without tools, although some take a little longer and may require removing fasteners that hold the glove box or interior trim panels in place. If you need help replacing your filter, check with your local auto repair shop.
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.
Decreased airflow from the vents, bad smells in your car, and trouble clearing a foggy windshield indicate your cabin air filter is bad.
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.
Without a functional air filter, dirt and debris can easily enter the turbocharger, causing extreme damage. To make things worse, metal from the failed turbocharger can find its way into the engine, circulating throughout the system. This can result in complete engine failure.
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.
If you don't change your AC filter, it will begin to fail. It will no longer be able to filter the air properly, letting dust and contaminants get into the HVAC system. Dust jams the moving parts of an AC such as fan motors and valves. Airflow is restricted which creates a strain on the system.
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.
But the question remains: “How often should you change a cabin air filter?” Most automotive experts recommend a cabin air filter change approximately every 15,000 miles. However, it's always prudent to consult your owner's manual for the specific intervals tailored to your make and model.
Surprisingly, having a clogged cabin air filter can actually impact your fuel efficiency because your engine is having to put out more energy than it should. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.
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.
If you breathe in air that has not been filtered or is filtered through a dirty cabin air filter, you may notice that you get sick more often, have difficulty taking deep breaths, and have allergies that are exacerbated. Your car's health may be at risk, too.
Is no AC filter better than a dirty one? No. A dirty filter will slightly protect against some dust particles that will damage your AC system. Its better to have a dirty filter than having no filter.
Yes. After a while, the extra strain on your cooling system can cause it to break down. A dirty AC air filter can exacerbate minor mechanical issues or cause rapid wear and tear to machine parts. Eventually, the damage adds up to a broken air conditioner that needs professional AC repair.
A cabin air filter left too long will make your vehicle's HVAC system work harder, which could eventually cause the motor to burn out. Dirty or clogged cabin air filters will also reduce the amount of air flowing from the vents.
This will vary based on your vehicle, however, a cabin air filter replacement could run anywhere between $30 and $70.