Cabin Air Filter

Climate Control

Description

A filter used to clean incoming air for the car’s HVAC system. The cabin air filter is typically a pleated-paper filter that is placed in the outside-air intake for the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Some of these filters are rectangular and similar in shape to the combustion air filter. Other are uniquely shaped to fit the available space of particular vehicle’s outside-air intakes. Being a relatively recent addition to automobile equipment, this filter is often overlooked and can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the vehicle’s air conditioning and heating performance. Clogged or dirty cabin air filters can significantly reduce airflow from the cabin vents, as well as introucer allergens into the cabin air stream.

Purpose

The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust, and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle's ventilation system, making the interior of the car a healthier place.

Maintenance Tips/Suggestions

Cabin air filters should be replaced according to owners' manual guidelines, usually every 15,000 miles. It is not uncommon, however, for cabin air filter replacement to be overlooked in the owner's manual. Do not try to clean this filter and reinstall it. For best results, consult filter manufacturer application charts to see if your car is listed. Most filters are accessible through an access panel in the HVAC housing, which may be under the hood or in the interior of the car. Some filters require basic hand tools to remove and install the filter; others just require your hands. If neglected, a restricted cabin air filter can impair airflow in the HVAC system, possibly causing interior heating and cooling problems.