Signs of a Bad Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter prevents dust, pollen, and other debris from entering the passenger compartment through the climate control system. It is typically made up of a paper or foam filter that is suspended in a plastic frame. The cabin air filter catches dirt, pollen, dust, smoke, bacteria, spores, allergens, and exhaust gases before they can enter the interior of your car. It also keeps larger things like insects, leaves and other debris from entering your ventilation system and blocking the airflow.

The 1989 Mercedes-Benz SL was the first production vehicle that came with a cabin air filter as standard equipment. As with many features that originated in luxury cars, cabin air filters soon found their way into mass-market, lower-priced vehicles. Today, cabin air filters are found in most new cars. If you are not sure whether your car has a cabin air filter, check your owner’s manual.

Symptoms of a bad cabin air filter

A problem with your cabin air filter can affect the quality of the air inside your car. Because your cabin air filter is part of your car’s climate control system, your ability to breathe clean, particle-free air can be affected. Many factors can cause a bad cabin air filter. Here are some of the warning signs of a bad cabin air filter:

• Musty or moldy smells inside the car
• Reduced air flow through the interior vents
• Foggy or icy windows take much longer to clear
• A whistling noise coming from the air vents
• Allergy symptoms increase during longer rides in your car

Repairing a bad cabin air filter

The allergens, mold, and mildew that can get into your car from a bad cabin air filter are bad enough. The real danger to your driving safety from a bad cabin air filter is the possibility that a blocked filter could prevent your climate control system from properly clearing your windows when necessary.

Over time, your cabin air filter can get full of dirt, debris, and other undesirable things. The cabin air filter is a wear item, just like your engine’s air filter, so this is to be expected. Your car’s owner’s manual will usually include the manufacturer’s recommended replacement interval for the cabin air filter. If you drive in either dusty or heavily polluted conditions, your cabin air filter should be changed more frequently.

Your mechanic will thoroughly inspect the cabin air filter of your car. If it is in poor condition, it can be replaced with a new cabin air filter. Removing the old cabin air filter and replacing it with a new cabin air filter will restore your climate control system to normal operation.

Replacing a bad cabin air filter is easy

If you are comfortable with removing a few screws or bolts, replacing your cabin air filter is a quick and easy process. Most vehicles locate the cabin air filter behind the glove compartment door, while some put it under the hood or in another location.

Check your owner’s manual or search online for the exact replacement procedure for your exact vehicle’s cabin air filter. A replacement cabin air filter can be purchased at your brand’s new car dealer parts department, an auto parts store, or online.

Whether your mechanic replaces your bad cabin air filter or you do it yourself, you will be able to breathe easier and drive safer with a clean new cabin air filter!