If you don't change your car's cabin air filter, the filter will become clogged with dirt and debris, reducing the efficiency of your vehicle's HVAC system and leading to bad odors in the passenger compartment. The cabin air filter is responsible for removing dust, pollen, smog, mold and other debris from the air entering the car, so if you don't change it regularly, you may start to notice unpleasant smells. This is the most serious risk of not changing your cabin air filter, as it can lead to an acute failure of a major vehicle safety system that will be expensive to repair. Changing the cabin air filter at regular intervals is important for keeping your car's air quality fresh and ensuring that passengers don't have to roll down windows in the middle of winter to get fresh air.
Some mechanics recommend changing the cabin air filter during routine maintenance visits, and this is a good idea if you want to avoid bad odors in your vehicle. Old, worn out cabin air filters are easy to diagnose and replace, and it's one of the least expensive parts of your vehicle's air conditioning systems. If you drive on dusty roads or live in an area with high levels of air pollutants such as pollen, you may need to change your cabin air filter more often. Ignoring this important part of regular vehicle maintenance can cause some uncomfortable effects, as you and your family are exposed to numerous potential respiratory problems due to the lack of clean air entering your car through the air conditioner.
The engine air filter ensures that clean air reaches the engine, while the cabin air filter prevents pollution such as dirt, dust, smoke, smog, pollen, mold spores and exhaust gases from entering a vehicle's cabin through the HVAC system. Changing the cabin air filter is not only about air quality but also a safety issue and a maintenance requirement for the climate control system. Because of its location, changing a cabin air filter is a difficult do-it-yourself project, so it's usually best to have it repaired by a trained mechanic.
