A dirty engine air filter can cause your engine to run poorly, and contaminants that pass by it can cause wear inside your engine. A bad cabin air filter usually won't cause damage, but it can prevent you from operating your car safely.
Mold can build up on the filter if you don't change it, which can cause bad odors and smells. Mold is also extremely unhealthy to breathe in, as it can make a person very sick. But by replacing the cabin air filter regularly, you can avoid breathing in that unhealthy mold and keep your cabin smelling fresh.
Yes, changing your car's air filter can improve your miles per gallon (MPG), particularly if the old filter is dirty or clogged. A clean air filter allows for better airflow to the engine, which can enhance combustion efficiency. This may lead to improved fuel economy and overall engine performance.
A dirty air filter can cause your vehicle to throw a Check Engine code. During this instance, the Check Engine Light of your vehicle will turn on. The light turns on because your vehicle is sensing that its engine isn't receiving enough air.
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.
A dirty engine air filter can cause your engine to run poorly, and contaminants that pass by it can cause wear inside your engine. A bad cabin air filter usually won't cause damage, but it can prevent you from operating your car safely.
The rule of thumb for how often to change cabin air filters is every 15,000 miles. Some Purchase drivers encounter scenarios where their air filter works harder such as when going off-roading or when driving in locations with dirt or gravel roads. In these cases, you'll need to change your air filter sooner.
As mentioned above, most engine air filters will need to be replaced around every 30,000-45,000 miles, but you'll want to consult your owner's manual for a more exact number as different vehicles have different engine air filters.
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.
Affecting Performance
Engine power diminishes, the throttle does not respond as quickly, and acceleration becomes weak. Your engine wears down more quickly. The easy solution to this problem is to replace your air filter.
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.
While you can run a car without a cabin air filter, it's still important to replace it.
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.
Besides causing foul odor as mentioned earlier, an unclean cabin air filter with mold and mildew can make you sick. Plus, since the filter can't trap more particles like dust and pollen, you end up breathing unfiltered air in your car, which can worsen allergies and respiratory problems.
A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain the desired temperature. By replacing the filter regularly, you can ensure optimal airflow, allowing your HVAC system to function efficiently.
Every Oil Change
In general, most newer vehicles are designed to run on 6,000 or 7,500-mile cycles for oil changes (the old 3,000-mile cycle is a myth in terms of newer vehicles). Most mechanics agree that it's just a smart idea to have the filter swapped out every time you take your car in for an oil change.
Most manufacturers recommend a replacement every 15,000 to 30,000 miles under normal operating conditions. A cabin air filter does not have a specific service life, since cars operate at different intensities, and you should change it as needed.
These filters, which are often overlooked, help keep the cabin and engine as clean and debris-free as possible. Although this may vary by your car and your driving habits, the cabin filter should be changed about every 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
The engine air filter is crucial to keeping your car running well, but it isn't the only important air filter in your vehicle. Your cabin air filter works hard to keep the air you breathe clean and prevent all sorts of unhealthy particles from getting into your car's interior as you drive.
It's recommended that you change your car's air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, depending on how often you drive and the type of environment you live in.
How do you know if your cabin air filter is bad? Decreased airflow from the vents, bad smells in your car, and trouble clearing a foggy windshield indicate your cabin air filter is bad.
A dirty or clogged air filter impedes airflow, leading the MAF sensor to inaccurately read, resulting in a skewed fuel mixture. This can impact the engine's performance and emissions, prompting the computer to illuminate the check engine light and store a trouble code in its memory.