The cabin air filters of a car are responsible to filter the air that the occupants breathe. These filters capture the airborne particles unless they begin to choke. As the filter’s pores start to clog with debris, the car occupants experience signs of a bad cabin air filter.
This guide will help you understand the symptoms of a bad cabin air filter.
BAD CABIN AIR FILTER SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of a bad cabin air filter are indicators for its immediate replacement. Watch out for these 5 most common signs of a bad cabin air filter.
Bad Smell in Car
Experiencing a bad smell in the car is the most common sign of a clogged cabin air filter. This type of air filter cleans the outside air from dust and water particles before supplying it to the cabin.
Eventually, the cabin air filter starts clogging with the contaminated particles. The completely choked cabin air filters give off a bad smell which is usually the first sign of a bad cabin air filter.
Reduction in Airflow
The second most common sign of a bad cabin air filter is the reduction in airflow efficiency from the cabin filter. Since there is a gradual drop in airflow efficiency from the vents, motorists usually do not feel it.
However, once the cabin air filters get clogged completely the airflow drops drastically indicating the need for cabin air filter replacement.
Window Fogging
If you ever tried defogging your car’s windows but observed that the anti-fogging system is not working properly, the possibility is that you have a bad cabin air filter.
The function of your car’s anti-fogging system can get hampered when the cabin air filter gets choked. In such a situation, the air quality reduces, and you experience immediate fogging on your car’s windscreen and windows when it rains or the temperature drops.
Heating and Cooling System Issues
A clogged cabin air filter affects the working of the heating and cooling system of a car. Therefore, it should be not surprising to experience hot air blowing from a car’s AC system with a bad cabin air filter.
This is because the air first passes through the air filter and then through the air conditioning system. If the cabin air filter will be choked, less air will pass through the air conditioning system, ultimately causing issues with the cooling and heating functions of your car.
Allergic Symptoms
If you are allergic to dust or other various air particulates and notice a flare in allergic symptoms while driving, it could be due to a bad cabin air filter.
As discussed previously, the cabin air filter is responsible for filtering dust and air contaminants from the outside air. However, once the cabin air filter gets clogged, no more air can be filtered from it. Then, the air entering a car’s cabin gets contaminated with dust particles which can exaggerate the allergic reactions in most individuals.
FAQS
Where is the cabin air filter located?
A car’s cabin air filter is located behind the glove box. However, in many other vehicles, you can find a cabin air filter under the hood of a car or behind the dashboard.
How often do you replace a cabin air filter?
The period when a cabin air filter must be changed can vary. Some automakers suggest its replacement after every 10,000 or 20,000 miles, while others suggest bi-annual or annual replacement.
If you are living in the UAE and are fond of off-roading, then it is likely that your cabin air filters get clogged frequently. In such a case, you might have to replace the cabin air filter earlier than 06 months.
How to replace the cabin air filter?
Follow these steps to replace the cabin air filter behind the glove compartment.
- Check the owner’s manual for the removal of an air filter. You might have to press a tab or two or use a screwdriver to open the glove compartment.
- Once accessible, remove the clogged cabin air filter. Clean the surrounding debris using a vacuum cleaner.
- Install a new cabin air filter in the same position as the older one. The airflow direction is marked on the filter through arrows usually.
- Place the glove compartment back.
This is a wrap-up of our guide about the signs of a bad cabin air filter. To know when to replace the cabin air filter, look for the following symptoms of a bad one. If you are unable to locate the cabin air filter for an inspection of clogging, take your car for a maintenance check and get the filter inspected and replaced.
However, if you are facing recurrent car issues, then you should consider changing your car. Browse through these used cars for sale in the UAE and make your life easier with all the high-tech features.
Stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog for more information on automotive parts and accessories.
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