Every automobile is made up of so many components it can be easy to overlook a part that needs to be repaired or replaced. This is especially true when there aren’t any obvious signs that something is wrong with your vehicle. One area of most cars that often gets ignored is the cabin air filter. Most cars manufactured after 2000 have one, so chances are good that you have one in your vehicle and may not even know it.
If you’re not even sure what a cabin air filter is, don’t panic. You may be familiar with both the oil and engine air filters, but the cabin filter is generally out of sight. The basic role of this device is to prevent harmful pollutants from entering the air of the cabin of your vehicle, which is something people who spend a lot of time in their car should be concerned about.
The location of the cabin air filter can vary depending on the make and model of your automobile. In some cases, you will find this air filter under the hood, but it can also be found in the glove compartment or even installed below the dashboard. Any time outside air is blowing into your car you can thank this filter for allowing you to breathe clean air.
So, when exactly should you replace this all-important air filter? Most experts recommend that a new filter should be installed every 20,000 or so miles. On the other hand, some people say it should be replaced at least once a year. As a general rule of thumb, it may be a good idea to have a new one installed every few times you get an oil change.
The good news is that replacing a cabin air filter is a fairly inexpensive job. It’s one of the cheapest ways you can dramatically improve the quality of your driving experience, so it shouldn’t be ignored. For more vehicle maintenance tips, keep checking back with the team at Builder’s Transmission!
