How Often Should Air Filters and Cabin Air Filters Be Replaced?

[VonTheo]

According to the vehicle's maintenance manual, the air filter should generally be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers or every other maintenance interval, while the cabin air filter should be replaced every 10,000 kilometers or approximately once a year. It is recommended to inspect both the air filter and cabin air filter during each maintenance service. The location of the air filter varies depending on the intake design and engine structure, but it is typically housed in the air cleaner on the engine's intake pipe. The cabin air filter is usually located beneath or inside the glove compartment on the passenger side, though in some models, it may be installed under the windshield in front of the passenger seat. The cabin air filter and engine air filter are different components and serve distinct purposes. Air Filter: This is a type of filter, also known as an air cartridge, air cleaner, or element. It is primarily used in engineering vehicles, automobiles, agricultural machinery, laboratories, sterile operating rooms, and various precision workspaces. During operation, the engine draws in a large volume of air. If the air is not filtered, airborne dust particles can enter the cylinders, accelerating wear on the piston assembly and cylinder walls. Larger particles entering the space between the piston and cylinder can cause severe cylinder scoring, particularly in dry and sandy environments. There are two types of air filters in vehicles: dry and wet. Dry filters are made of paper or organic materials, while wet filters are constructed from metal mesh. The purpose of the air filter is to remove particulate impurities from the air, ensuring that clean air enters the cylinders and preventing airborne dust from being drawn into the engine, which could accelerate wear on the piston assembly and cylinders. Cabin Air Filter: This is a filter installed in the vehicle's air conditioning system. It absorbs fine particles, reduces respiratory irritation, minimizes allergens, and protects the air conditioning cooling system. Without a cabin air filter, these particles can enter the cabin, contaminating the air conditioning system, reducing cooling efficiency, and causing health issues such as allergic reactions, lung damage, and irritation from ozone exposure. Unpleasant odors can also affect driving safety. Cabin air filters generally fall into two categories: standard and activated carbon. Standard filters are typically made from a specific eco-friendly filtration material, folded and processed into a single-layer white filter. Activated carbon filters consist of non-woven fabric layers sandwiching fine activated carbon particles, which are then processed into the filter. Dirty Air Filter: Using a heavily soiled air filter can restrict engine airflow, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, unstable engine performance, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, it is essential to keep the air filter clean. The air filter is a device that removes particulate impurities from the air, composed of one or more filtration components. Its primary function is to filter harmful particles from the air before it enters the cylinders, reducing premature wear on the cylinders, pistons, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Air must pass through the air filter's fine filtration before entering the cylinders. A dirty air filter can cause poor engine performance, excessive fuel consumption, and engine damage. If inspection reveals minimal dust and light clogging, the filter can be cleaned using compressed air blown from the inside out and reused. Severely dirty filters should be replaced promptly. Dirty Cabin Air Filter: A clogged cabin air filter can impede airflow, reduce cooling efficiency, increase fuel consumption, and create noise, negatively impacting the air conditioning system's lifespan. Accumulated debris on the filter can harbor bacteria and mold, posing health risks to occupants and potentially leading to serious illnesses.

[VonElias]

Having driven for ten years, my personal experience is that the air filter should be replaced every 12,000 to 15,000 kilometers or once a year. This component mainly affects the engine's air intake efficiency. If you frequently drive on highways or dusty roads, such as areas with frequent sandstorms, you should replace it more often. As for the cabin air filter, which relates to the air quality inside the car, I generally replace it every one to two years. However, if someone in the family has pollen allergies, it's best to replace it every six months. Last time, I waited too long, and the air coming out of the vents had a foul odor. Not only was it troublesome to clean, but it also affected health. When doing regular vehicle checks, take a quick look at the filters to see if they're dirty—it's simple and saves trouble.