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Car driving through cloud of dust on dirt road
Your vehicle has several filters working to keep it running smoothly. The oil filter keeps contaminants out of your engine oil, and the engine air filter ensures the engine gets clean air for combustion. This article, however, will focus specifically on the cabin air filter, which is responsible for cleaning the air you breathe inside your car.
What do exhaust fumes, pollen and road dust have in common? They’re all pollutants that can contaminate the air in your car. What’s worse, airborne particles can cause symptoms such as sneezing, blurry vision, a runny nose and headaches, all of which can distract you while you’re driving. Fortunately, your car has a defense against dirty air—the cabin air filter.
dirty air, pollen a problem?
AAA Members receive a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request with any paid service at a nearby AAA-owned Car Care center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, a 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on repairs at AAA-owned Car Care locations, and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members also receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75).
This filter is a small but essential component that helps keep the air inside your vehicle clean and breathable.
It’s typically located within the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, often behind the glove box or under the dashboard.
As air flows through the HVAC system, the cabin air filter traps dust, pollen, smog, exhaust fumes and other airborne contaminants before they can enter your car’s interior.
This filtration process ensures that the air circulating through your vents is as fresh and healthy as possible, improving comfort and reducing exposure to allergens and irritants.
When you turn on your car’s fan, air is pulled in from outside through intake vents. Before that air reaches the cabin, it passes through the pleated material of the cabin air filter, which is often made of paper, cotton or a blend of synthetic fibers.
The filter’s fine mesh captures microscopic particles, while some advanced filters also include an activated carbon layer to neutralize odors and absorb harmful gases. The result? Cleaner air circulating through your vehicle’s interior, whether you’re running the heat, air conditioning or just the fan.
The effectiveness of a cabin air filter depends on its design. Standard filters are highly efficient at trapping larger particulates but may not capture fine particles like bacteria or smoke. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can trap pollen, soot, mold spores and germs down to 0.3 microns.
Keeping your cabin air filter clean isn’t just about comfort, it’s about your health and your car’s performance. A clean filter keeps pollutants out of your cabin, improving air quality and helping everyone breathe easier.
It also prevents odors from circulating through your vents, creating a fresher, more pleasant driving experience.
When neglected, a clogged filter can reduce airflow through your HVAC system, forcing it to work harder and making it less effective at heating or cooling your car.
You might notice weaker air pressure in the car’s interior, foggy windows that take longer to clear due to reduced air flow, or musty smells due to contaminant buildup when the filtration system runs.
Replacing your cabin air filter regularly helps maintain strong airflow, clear windows and a clean, comfortable cabin every time you drive.
Our vehicles are constantly under attack from environmental factors like the sun, dust, ash and even animals. Learn ways to protect your car from these elements.
Read HowYour owner’s manual will list the recommended mileage for replacing the cabin air filter, but mileage isn’t the only factor that determines an air filter’s lifespan. Driving off-road, in dusty conditions or in places with poor air quality can clog the filter and cause airflow to decrease. If that happens, it’s time to replace the filter.
Most vehicles need a replacement every 12,000–15,000 miles, or once per year.
If you can easily reach your cabin air filter, replacing it is a quick job that takes about 15 minutes with a few tools. Follow these steps:
If the filter is located behind the glove compartment, the process may take longer and require removing the fasteners that hold the glove compartment or interior trim panels in place. In this case, consider reaching out to a professional car mechanic.
AAA Members save every day at NAPA Auto Parts. Find out how you could save on cabin air filters at NAPA Auto Parts.
Save TodayCabin air filters come in several types, each offering different levels of protection and performance:
If you notice any of the following, it may be time to replace your cabin’s air filter:
If reaching your filter requires dismantling the dashboard, professional replacement ensures safety and proper fit. AAA offers discounted services through AAA-owned Car Care Centers and through AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
Your cabin air filter plays a vital role in keeping the air inside your car clean, fresh and free of harmful pollutants. By understanding how it works, recognizing the signs of a clogged filter and replacing it regularly, you can ensure a healthier, more comfortable driving experience for you and your passengers.
dirty air, pollen a problem?
AAA Members receive a free vehicle maintenance inspection upon request with any paid service at a nearby AAA-owned Car Care center or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, a 36-month/36,000-mile guarantee on repairs at AAA-owned Car Care locations, and a 24-month/24,000-mile warranty at AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities. Members also receive a 10% discount on repair labor (save up to $75).
A cabin air filter traps dust, pollen, smog and other airborne pollutants, ensuring the air inside your car is clean and healthy to breathe.
Most vehicles require a replacement every 12,000–15,000 miles or once per year but driving in dusty or polluted areas may require more frequent changes.
Look for musty odors, weak airflow from vents, foggy windows, inconsistent heating or cooling and increased dust inside the cabin.
Yes, if the filter is easily accessible, it’s a quick job that takes about 15 minutes. However, if it’s located behind the glove compartment or dashboard, professional help may be needed.
It improves air quality, prevents odors and ensures your HVAC system works efficiently, providing a healthier and more comfortable driving experience.
HEPA filters can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns, but they cannot filter out smaller particles like coronavirus, which measures between 0.06 and 0.14 microns.
