How Often Should the Cabin Air Filter Be Replaced?
2 Answers
Car cabin air filters generally need to be inspected every 10,000 kilometers, with a replacement cycle of approximately 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. The specific interval depends on actual conditions. The cabin air filter is located in the engine's intake system. Its primary function is to filter out harmful impurities from the air entering the cylinders, thereby reducing premature wear of components such as cylinders, pistons, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. If the air filter becomes clogged or accumulates excessive dust, it can lead to restricted engine airflow, reduced power output, and a significant increase in fuel consumption. Important precautions for replacing the air filter include: allowing the vehicle to sit for half an hour after turning off the engine to let it cool down and prevent burns; wearing protective gear such as gloves to avoid injuries; and applying appropriate force during replacement to avoid damaging car components. Regular cleaning of the air conditioning system during normal vehicle use is also recommended to maintain the health of passengers.
For the replacement interval of car air conditioning filters, I generally recommend changing them every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers. It really depends on your driving environment. For example, I live in a big city with daily traffic jams, heavy dust, and poor air quality, so the filter clogs up faster and needs replacement at 10,000 km. If you're in the countryside with fresher air, you can stretch it to 15,000 km. I remember once forgetting to change it, and the AC started blowing out a dusty smell, making the car stuffy. Later, I checked and found the filter was half-clogged with dirt. After replacing it, the cooling effect improved immediately. It's good to ask mechanics at service points regularly—keeping the filter clean can even save fuel. Make a habit of checking the manual; it's not hard to maintain.