Quality and convenience are two of the strongest priorities these days when you are considering buying a car. And it is true irrespective of whether it is your first car or one of many. While comfortable seats and interior amenities are some of the many things many car owners focus on, the best cabin air filter is something many fail to prioritise.
But why is it important? The cabin air filters play a huge role in the heating of a vehicle, as well as the ventilation assembly and air conditioning. Collectively, they maintain the clean air inside the car. The main function is to clean the air that enters the cabin or passenger compartment, eliminating pollutants like pollen, debris, and many allergens.
A clean and fresh cabin filter air improves air quality inside the car and improves the total driving experience. Additionally, clogged or not up-to-the-mark filter air can decrease the efficiency of the HVAC assembly and cause unpleasant odours. Well, that is the last thing you want for yourself, right?
What’s A Cabin Air Filter?
So, what is a cabin air filter car, and what does it do? Situated right behind the glove compartment in most cars, the cabin air filter filters the air that enters the car’s cabin through the heating and A/C system. This piece of equipment is vital to keeping air quality healthy inside the car, as it filters out many things, such as:
- Dust
- Pollution
- Pollen
- Mould spores
Do you know how often you should change the car cabin air filter? Over time, if clogged, even the best cabin air filters for cars can affect the air quality inside your car. We will discuss more on this below.
Types of Cabin Air Filters
Before we take a look at how often we need to replace the cabin air filters Australia, let us understand the different kinds of filters out there:
1. Particulate Filters
It generally comprises a porous fibrous material, which acts as the main filtration medium, which is generally a porous fibrous material. In terms of particulate filtration, it traps particles that are 0.3 microns and even more. This implies that a certain filter is regular, which does the job well but does not eliminate ultra-fine particles.
2. Charcoal Filters
It is one of the favourites of every mechanic in Adelaide. This kind of filter is a more sophisticated means than regular filters. It comprises the general porous material as the primary filter, along with an extra layer of charcoal that absorbs microscopic contaminants and particulates. With a charcoal cabin filter, even gaseous pollutants such as smoke and exhaust can also be eliminated.
3. Activated Carbon Filter
All the reputed car services in Adelaide speak highly about it, even though it is made up of a regular filtration medium and has an added layer of activated charcoal or carbon. This activated charcoal is a special kind of carbon comprising a higher absorption capacity concerning gasses.
The activated charcoal layer, therefore, absorbs even fumes and odours such as carbon monoxide in addition to exhaust gasses and particulate matter. An activated charcoal filter is also capable of eliminating microorganisms and bacteria.
4. Electrostatic Cabin Air Filter
Every reputed car mechanic agrees that it is the most sophisticated of all the mentioned ones. This filter utilises a static charge to trap the pollutants and particulate matter. As the air flows through the filters, layers of electrostatically charged fibres attract pollutants and tightly trap them. These electrostatic charges also effectively eliminate odours, fumes, smoke, and particulate substances.
When Should You Change The Cabin Air Filter?
When it pertains to replacing the cabin air filter, your car’s maker’s period may vary. Recommendations may range from 10,000 to 20,000 km, but how often you change the filter may depend on factors like the climate and driving frequency.
Before you contact auto care services, Based on your environment, for instance, if you live in a massively populated urban area, there is a surging possibility you will be required to replace the air filter annually.
(1) Persistent bad odors
(2) Reduced power output from the engine
(3) Window fogging
(4) Breathing issues
(5) Reduced airflow through climate control systems
Even if you do not get such warnings, a good rule of thumb would be to change the cabin air filter once every 12 months, per the suggestion of every reputed car repair Adelaide.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter
While you cannot match the proficiency of reputed car repair shops right away, here are some of the steps you can take to effectively replace the cabin air filters:
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Consult The Owner’s Manual
Before considering the best car services Adelaide, get the vehicle’s trusty owner’s manual. It is the goldmine of data for this certain task. The manual will guide you to the exact location of the cabin air filter. Some vehicles have it tucked in the glove compartment, while others may have it under the dashboard. The manual will also offer detailed instructions specific to the vehicle model for removing and replacing the filter. Following these car-centric instructions ensures a successful and smooth filter change.
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Assemble The Tools
The best news for you is that you do not have to have the massive toolboxes of car logbook service to get the job done. In most of the scenarios, the procedure is tool-free. However, a pair of gloves may be a handy companion. The old filter may become grimy and dirty, which gloves can protect you from.
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Finding The Filter Compartment
All the logbook services in Adelaide believe that the trickiest yet not so difficult part of this process is locating the filter compartment. For that, you would have to refer back to the manual’s data to locate the certain compartment of your car.
As mentioned, it is commonly behind the glove box or under the dashboard. You may discover a panel or cover the gently unclipped or unscrewed requirements to access the filter.
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Remove The Old Filter
Now that you have the filter compartment open, you will notice the old cabin air filter. According to car mechanic mobile service experts, you must pull it out cautiously. Be prepared for a few dusts to escape, particularly if the filter is overdue for replacement. Consider disposing of the old filter in a sealed plastic bag to minimise dust spreading.
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Install a New Filter
Most of your work is done, and you haven’t even needed mobile car mechanic assistance. Unbox your new cabin air filter. You must ensure that it matches the type and size advised for your vehicle model. Align the arrows on the new filter with the airflow arrows inside the filter compartment. It makes sure to prepare air circulation within the vehicle. Once aligned, gently slide the new filter into the compartment, ensuring it sits snugly in place.
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Close The Compartment
As the new filter is positioned securely, close the compartment. You can follow the reverse steps that you used to open it, snap the cover back on or screw the panel back into place. Make sure everything is there to prevent dust from bypassing the filter.
Also read: HOW TO CHANGE VEHICLE COOLANT IN YOUR CAR?
Wrapping Up
With this, we finish our blog here. As you can see, changing your cabin filter is no longer difficult. Since you have read this far, you know all the procedures you must follow. However, if something like this needs expert assistance, you can contact an expert from ASFA Auto Care.
