How often should the car's cabin air filter be replaced?
2 Answers
Car cabin air filters should be replaced every 20,000 kilometers. The cabin air filter is a specialized filter designed for air purification inside the vehicle compartment. It utilizes high-efficiency adsorption materials, such as activated carbon composite filter cloth made from activated carbon and long-fiber non-woven fabric, featuring a compact structure that effectively filters smoke odors, pollen, dust, harmful gases, and various odors. Functions of the car cabin air filter: 1. Ensures the filter fits tightly against the housing, preventing unfiltered air from entering the cabin; 2. Separates solid impurities like dust, pollen, and abrasive particles from the air; 3. Adsorbs moisture, soot, ozone, odors, carbon oxides, SO2, CO2, and other substances in the air; 4. Prevents condensation on car windows, ensuring clear visibility for drivers and passengers.
I've been driving for over a decade and usually change the cabin air filter once a year or every 10,000 kilometers. From my experience, it mainly depends on your driving environment – if you often drive in rural areas with less dust, you might stretch it to a year and a half. But if you're stuck in city traffic daily with heavy smog, it's better to check every six months. Last time I forgot to change it, the AC blew out musty air, causing passengers to sneeze, and the cooling became slower, costing me an extra 200 yuan in repairs. Remember to mention it during every minor maintenance for a quick check and replacement – it's hassle-free, protects your health, and prevents bacteria growth from clogged filters. Once it becomes a habit, your AC runs more efficiently, making summer drives more comfortable, and long trips free from unpleasant odors affecting your mood.
