When to Change Air Cabin Filters

Regular car maintenance allows you to fully enjoy your car. If something is out of place, you might lose some of that fun. To keep the air in your cabin clean and dust-free, it is recommended that you change your air cabin filter every 20,000 miles.

At Cloninger Ford, we want our friends in Salisbury, Kannapolis, Lexington, and Mooresville to provide their cars with the routine services they need. So, we created this helpful guide to understanding your car’s air cabin filter. We also feature a service center with dedicated technicians that can replace your air cabin filter if needed.  Schedule a service appointment today!

What is an Air Cabin Filter?

An air cabin filter is a necessary part in your car to keep the interior clean. Air cabin filters clean the air that comes into the cabin through the HVAC systems. It catches dust, pollen, and mold spores that can make their way into your car, causing your ride experience to be unpleasant.

In order to keep your cabin clean, it is recommended that you change your air cabin filter every 20,000 miles. Replacement recommendations do vary by manufacturer, so to ensure you are changing your filter at the correct intervals, consult your car’s owner’s manual.

Additionally, if you drive in more extreme conditions—cities with a lot of traffic or areas with excessive dust and dirt—you may need to change your air cabin filter earlier than recommended.

Signs You Air Cabin Filter Needs to be Replaced

Other than paying attention to your mileage, there are signs that it may be time to change out your air cabin filter. Always pay attention to anything out of the ordinary and contact a service center if you suspect an issue.

1. Reduced Air Flow

If an air cabin filter is contaminated it will not be able to filter the incoming air effectively causing restricted airflow for the AC system. If you notice that your car’s vents are blowing with noticeably less force than usual, this may indicate that it is time to replace your air cabin filter.

A clogged filter leads to reduced capacity in your AC system and places an additional strain on the AC blower motor. In order to keep your AC system working properly, be sure to change out your air cabin filter at the scheduled intervals.

2. Unusual Noise

If you turn on your air conditioning and hear a noise that you have not heard before it may indicate a clogged air cabin filter. Unusual noises can be caused by buildup in the AC system or an AC system working in overdrive. If you hear a noise that you have not heard before, it is best to have your car checked by a mechanic.

3. Bad Odor

If an air cabin filter is contaminated it may produce a musty order that can become more pronounced when the air is turned on. If you ever smell an unfamiliar scent in your car, contact a service center.

Where to Change Your Air Cabin Filter

If you think it’s time to change your cabin’s air filter, the service center at Cloninger Ford is here to assist our neighbors in Salisbury, Kannapolis, Lexington, and Mooresville. We offer a service center with technicians that are experienced in air cabin filter replacements. Contact us today to schedule your next air cabin filter replacement!