A cabin air filter is a pleated filter that has been in-built in a vehicle to ensure that no contaminants enter the inside of your car. It is one of the most important components as it helps your vehicle's cooling and heating.
This filter was first introduced in 1989. Interestingly, it used to be available in only high-end vehicles. Fast forward to this century, many manufacturers provide this filter. In this article, we are going to discuss cabin air filter location and also include some frequently asked questions.
Where Is the Cabin Air Filter Located?
Most manufacturers place the cabin filter somewhere inside the conditioning system to make sure that the incoming air is filtered properly. It ensures that any particle that is larger than 0.3 micrometers including insects, pollen, soot, and dust are trapped easily.
However, the location of the cabin filter also depends on the recirculation door's position. Generally, the filter is located at these three places in a vehicle:
Behind the Glove Box
It is common to find a cabin air filter behind the glove box of your vehicle. To reach this filter, you need to remove a glove box or in some cars, you might have to just remove a small panel located behind the box.
Under the Hood
Many manufacturers also place the filter in the windshield cowl to ensure that it doesn’t get exposed to the wind but only air. This cabin filter is easily accessible by lifting the hood and taking down the plastic cover.
Behind the Dash
Only in a few vehicles, you might find the cabin air filter placed behind the dash. Most of them are located on the passenger's end while few of them are located at the driver's end.
Do All Cars Have Cabin Air Filters?
Not really but there are many manufacturers who have in-built cabin air filters in the vehicles and the car owners might not be aware of it. You can check your vehicle's manual to learn if it is in-built or not.
If you want to check the cabin aif filter on your own, you can simply search on the locations mentioned above. Please note that it may not easy to find it on your own. So, don't get disappointed and simply cross-check the details in the vehicle's manual.
When Should You Replace Your Cabin Air Filter?
The cabin air filter gets filled with dirt, pollen, soot, and much more contaminated, depending on how much the vehicle has been used. Because of this, it is not fair to suggest when exactly one should be changing their cabin air filter.
However, it is recommended to change every six to twelve months or after every 10,000, 12,000, 15,000, or 20,000 miles. And below are certain factors to consider before replacing the cabin air filter:
Drive Frequently. If you drive your vehicle way too frequently. For instance, if you go for a long drive very often, then you should consider replacing your cabin air filter according to the mileage recommendation.
Dustier Areas. If you drive in dustier areas or have crossed paths with a sand storm recently, then you should replace your cabin air filter.
Visibly Clogged. One of the major reasons to change cabin air filters is after they are visibly clogged with dust and other particles.
How Important Is An Air Filter In A Car?
A cabin air filter is an essential part of a vehicle as it improves the car's performance. It helps to increase fuel efficiency, reduces emissions, and prolongs the engine's lifespan.
FAQs About Cabin Air Filter
Q. What happens if you never change your cabin air filter?
Your car's HVAC system may be damaged if you don't change your cabin air filter as it has clogged with debris and dirt.
Q. How much does it cost to replace a cabin filter?
It depends on your vehicle's make and model but it should be somewhere between $30 and $70.
Q. Will a dirty cabin filter affect AC?
Yes. Moreover, if your cabin filter has been clogged with dirt, then it can cause problems for your engine. Also, if you want to improve your vehicle's mileage by 10%, then you should change your dirty cabin filter.
Conclusion
Keeping a clean cabin air filter is like giving clean oxygen to a human being. It is a great element to have in your vehicle to ensure that the passengers don't have to deal with contaminants present in the air.
If you are looking forward to getting a quality cabin air filter replacement for your vehicle, then you should check out SuncentAuto.com as it provides you with a wide range of options.
