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Replacing Cabin Filters Shouldn’t Be Delayed

A photo of a person holding an air filter.

What Do Cabin Air Filters Do?

Driving around means travelling through various environments that could feature dust, pollen and other contaminants. Just about every vehicle built in the last 10 to 15 years includes a cabin air filter to keep the interior environment as clean as possible. Replacing a cabin air filter is a very manageable task that most people can do at home. Our service technicians thought it would be helpful to explain what cabin air filters do and why they’re important before you hit the road this summer.

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How Do Cabin Air Filters Work?

Cabin air filters are a very simple but crucial part of a comfortable passenger experience. When someone turns on the vehicle’s heating or cooling system, outside air is drawn in through the HVAC ducts and through the cabin air filter before being released in the passenger cabin. Depending on the manufacturer, some cabin air filters are HEPA-rated and can pull up to 99 percent of contaminants out of the air. 

When Should Cabin Air Filters Be Replaced?

While there is no hard and fast rule on a service interval for cabin air filters, most service experts recommend that they be replaced every six months or so. This may need to happen more often if you drive in particularly dirty or dusty environments. 

How Do You Know When To Replace Cabin Air Filters?

There are a few tell-tale signs that it’s time to replace your car’s cabin air filter. Some of the most unignorable signs include:

  • Air coming from vents smells musty
  • Weak air flow from vents
  • Strange noise when the fan is on

While replacing a cabin air filter requires only a few simple tools that most people are likely to have on hand, the Davis Chevrolet Service Department is more than capable of helping you out when you stop by for a regular maintenance appointment.