Benefits of Changing Your Cabin Air Filter
Did you know about your vehicle's cabin air filter? That's right. It filters the air that goes inside your vehicle, the air that you breathe in while you're behind the wheel. Our service technicians usually offer to change it when changing your vehicle's oil, but many customers decline this offer, whether it's because they think it's too expensive, or they're not aware of the importance of having it changed. 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. Learn more benefits of regular filter replacement below.
Pollution Reduction
When you regularly replace the cabin air filter, you reduce the amount of pollution that enters your vehicle's interior. This is a frequently cited reason for changing the filter, as it's essentially the only thing standing between the air you breathe inside your car and the outside. This means it blocks much of the smoke, smog and ash from fires, amongst other pollutants, and dirty exhausts from other vehicles. By replacing your filter on a regular basis, you ensure that pollution stays outside your vehicle, meaning you breathe in healthier air inside.
Better HVAC Air Flow
Your vehicle's engine powers the HVAC system, so when the cabin air filter is dirty and clogged, the engine has to work a lot harder to power your heating or air conditioning. When the filter is clean and unclogged, your vehicle's engine doesn't have to work nearly as hard to power the HVAC system. What does this mean for you? You'll have better fuel efficiency. It also means your air conditioning and heating systems will work much more efficiently, too — so your cabin will cool down much more quickly in the hot summer months, and it will warm up more quickly in the colder months.
Fewer Allergens
Have allergies? Especially if you have environmental allergies, you know how terrible it can be when allergens get to you. Cabin air filters also help reduce the amount of irritating allergens that get inside your vehicle. These and pollen can build up in your filter during heavy pollen seasons, so you may need to change it sooner.
Fewer Odors
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.
If you start to smell odors in your vehicle's cabin, or if you notice that your HVAC fan is running more loudly, schedule a service appointment with us and we'll change your cabin air filter for you.
If you'd like to learn more about your cabin air filter, when to replace it or why you should replace it, give us a call, contact us or visit us at 3333 North Main St., Gainesville, FL 32609. We look forward to helping our customers from Alachua, Starke, Ocala and Lake City.