You likely know there’s an air filter under your hood. Most oil change service centers include checking the engine air filter as part of their oil change service. They’ll even let you know if you need a new engine air filter and most of the time can replace it for you. However, do you know that there’s likely at least one more air filter in your vehicle? It’s your cabin air filter and part of your vehicle’s ventilation system.
Why Your Car’s Ventilation Needs Regular Attention
Do you remember how your car was yellow just a few months ago? All that pollen that sits on your car also gets in the ventilation when you’re driving. The air filters help keep it out of the car’s cabin. Bugs, especially love bugs and their many parts, can also end up in the ventilation system without the help of air filters. In cars that aren’t driven every day, rodents and lizards may find their way into an air filter. Add in construction dust and regular air pollution and you can quickly see why you may need a new cabin air filter.
Where is My Cabin Air Filter and How Often Should I Change it?
The exact location differs on every car, your manual should tell you where to find it. In some vehicles it’s located in the engine compartment and in others it’s accessible from the car’s interior. It is not the same size as your engine air filter so don’t purchase that expecting it to fit.
As for when it needs to be changed, just like the engine air filter, the best answer is whenever it gets dirty. Your driving conditions and the season may impact that. At the very least, you should check it every 6 months and always replace it about 15,000 miles or annually. Breathing clean air is more enjoyable than breathing polluted air.
Oldsmar Automotive Offers Complete Routine Maintenance Services
When your car needs its regular maintenance, whether it’s an oil change, 50,000 mile check up or tire rotation, come to Oldsmar Automotive. If you’ve never checked your cabin air filter, let us know and we’ll check it and replace it if necessary, upon request with our other services. Come in to our convenient location at 3166 Tampa Road in Oldsmar or call us at (727) 784-3501 to schedule your service.
Leave a Reply