How Often Should the Air Filter and Cabin Air Filter in a Car Be Replaced?
2 Answers
According to the car's maintenance manual, the air filter should generally be replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers or during every other maintenance service, 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 car's air filter varies depending on the intake design and engine structure, typically found within the air filter housing connected to the engine's intake pipe. The cabin air filter is usually installed beneath or inside the glove compartment on the passenger side, though in some models, it may be located under the windshield in front of the passenger seat. The cabin air filter and engine air filter are distinct components, serving different purposes. Air Filter: A type of filter, also known as an air cartridge, air cleaner, or air 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 significant amount 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 gap between the piston and cylinder can cause severe cylinder scoring, particularly in dry and sandy environments. There are two types of air filters in cars: dry and wet. Dry filters are made of paper or organic materials, while wet filters use metal mesh. The function 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 cylinder walls. Cabin Air Filter: A filter installed in the car's air conditioning system. It captures fine particles, reduces respiratory discomfort, minimizes irritation for allergy sufferers, 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 allergic reactions, lung damage, or irritation from ozone exposure. Unpleasant odors may also affect driving safety. Cabin air filters are generally divided into two types: standard and activated carbon. Standard filters are typically made of a specific eco-friendly filtering material, folded and processed into a single-layer white filter. Activated carbon filters consist of non-woven fabric layers sandwiching fine activated carbon particles, further processed into a filter. Dirty Air Filter: Using a heavily soiled air filter while driving 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 car's air filter is a device that removes particulate impurities from the air, composed of one or more filtering components. Its primary function is to filter harmful impurities from the air before it enters the cylinders, reducing premature wear on the cylinders, pistons, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Thus, air must pass through the fine filtration of the air filter before entering the cylinders. A dirty air filter can cause poor engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and engine damage. When inspecting the air filter, if minimal dust and light clogging are observed, it can be cleaned using compressed air blown from the inside out and reused. Severely dirty air filters should be replaced promptly. Dirty Cabin Air Filter: A clogged cabin air filter can restrict airflow, reduce cooling efficiency, increase fuel consumption, and generate noise, negatively impacting the air conditioning system's lifespan. Residue on the cabin air filter can harbor bacteria and mold, posing health risks to passengers and potentially leading to illnesses in severe cases.
I recommend checking the air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 kilometers and replacing it if necessary; the cabin air filter should typically be replaced every six months to a year, especially before summer. Otherwise, the air blowing out in the car can be dirty and may cause allergies or coughing. If you frequently drive on dusty roads or in congested urban areas, it's best to replace them earlier. Doing it yourself isn't difficult—just open the hood, locate the filter box, remove the old filter, and insert a new one. It only costs a few dozen bucks, saving you money on shop visits. Regular checks can also improve engine efficiency and save on fuel costs.
