What is the function of a car air conditioning filter?
4 Answers
The function of a car air conditioning filter is to separate solid impurities such as dust, pollen, and grinding particles from the air, as well as to adsorb moisture, soot, ozone, odors, carbon oxides, SO2, CO2, and other substances in the air, providing strong and long-lasting adsorption. There are two types of air conditioning filters: one without activated carbon and another with activated carbon. The activated carbon air conditioning filter can absorb particulate matter, alleviate respiratory discomfort, reduce irritation for allergy sufferers, enhance driving comfort, and protect the air conditioning cooling system. Generally, the air conditioning filter should be replaced every 10,000 to 15,000 kilometers, but the actual usage conditions should be considered. If the filter appears excessively dirty, it should be replaced promptly.
Speaking of car cabin air filters, I have so much to say! This little thing may seem insignificant, but it's essentially the lungs of your car. During my daily commute through dusty construction sites, it blocks all the airborne particles for me - I even get fewer pollen allergies now. Last winter when the smog was terrible, the filter absorbed all those nasty smoke odors. The most noticeable improvement is that I don't sneeze anymore when using the AC. I usually replace it every six months - you can get decent ones online for about 20 yuan, and it only takes three minutes to DIY, way cheaper than dealerships. When overused, filters turn black and stiff, and if not replaced timely, they can actually breed bacteria. This is something everyone should really pay attention to.
As a parent who drives my kids to school every day, I'm most concerned about the air quality inside the car. The cabin air filter acts like a goalkeeper, intercepting exhaust particles and dust from the road. Especially during the busy school pickup hours when there are many vehicles and people around the school gate, I don't have to worry about my children inhaling exhaust fumes even with the fresh air circulation on. Once when my child rode in a friend's car and started coughing, I realized their filter hadn't been changed for two years. Now I've developed the habit of replacing the filter every spring-summer transition, specifically choosing activated carbon filters that can absorb formaldehyde and odors. I always open the windows for one minute before turning on the AC to let the filter work at its best. Actually, replacing a filter only costs a few dozen yuan - much more economical than taking a child to the hospital.
For us office workers stuck in traffic on the ring road every day, surrounded by vehicle exhaust, the cabin air filter is a lifesaver! It can filter out PM2.5 particles and absorb harmful gases like sulfur dioxide. I've made it a habit to turn on the recirculation mode, which makes the filter more effective. I learned the hard way when I forgot to replace the filter - the AC started blowing out musty air, and I later discovered bacteria had been breeding on the old filter. Now I change it every 10,000 kilometers, opting for a multi-effect composite filter that removes both dust and odors. Especially before using the AC in summer, remember to check the filter's condition first.
