The air filter element is generally replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 kilometers or during every other maintenance service. In areas with severe smog or willow catkins, or in dusty environments, it is advisable to replace it annually. The replacement frequency largely depends on driving conditions and local air quality. A clogged air filter element can affect the engine's air intake, altering the air-fuel ratio inside the engine, which may lead to reduced vehicle power and increased fuel consumption. The cabin air filter (AC filter) should be replaced every 10,000 kilometers or approximately once a year. In regions with poor air quality, the replacement interval can be shortened to every 7,500 kilometers. The cabin air filter is a crucial component in the vehicle's air conditioning system. Its primary function is to filter bacteria, PM2.5, moisture, pollen, dust, and other airborne particles. If not replaced for an extended period, it can impair the AC's performance and affect the health of the vehicle's occupants. It is recommended to inspect both the air filter and cabin air filter during every maintenance service. The air filter's location varies depending on the engine's intake design and structure, but it is typically housed in the air cleaner attached to the engine's intake pipe. The cabin air filter is usually located under or inside the glove compartment on the passenger side, though some models place it beneath the windshield on the passenger side. The cabin air filter and engine air filter serve different purposes. The air filter is a type of filter, also known as an air filter 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 this air is not filtered, airborne dust particles can enter the cylinders, accelerating wear on the piston assembly and cylinder walls. Larger particles entering the piston-cylinder gap can cause severe cylinder scoring, especially in dry, sandy environments. Vehicle air filters come in two types: dry (made of paper or organic materials) and wet (made of metal mesh). Their role is to filter airborne particulate matter, ensuring clean air enters the cylinders and preventing dust from being drawn into the engine, which would accelerate wear on the piston assembly and cylinders. The cabin air filter is installed in the vehicle's air conditioning system. It absorbs fine particles, reduces respiratory discomfort, minimizes irritation for allergy sufferers, and protects the AC cooling system. Without this filter, particles entering the cabin can contaminate the AC system, reduce cooling performance, and cause health issues such as allergic reactions, lung damage, and irritation from ozone exposure, all of which can affect driving safety. There are generally two types: standard cabin air filters and activated carbon cabin air filters. Standard filters are typically made of a specific eco-friendly filtering material, processed and folded, usually appearing as a single white layer. Activated carbon filters consist of non-woven fabric on both sides with micro activated carbon particles sandwiched in between, further processed into the final filter. Using a dirty air filter can restrict engine airflow, leading to incomplete fuel combustion, unstable engine operation, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Therefore, maintaining a clean air filter is essential. The air cleaner is a device that removes particulate matter from the air, composed of one or more filtering components. Its main purpose is to filter harmful impurities from the air entering the cylinders, preventing premature wear on the cylinders, pistons, piston rings, valves, and valve seats. Thus, air must pass through the air cleaner's fine filtration before entering the cylinders. A dirty air cleaner can cause poor engine performance, excessive fuel consumption, and engine damage. If inspection reveals minimal dust and light clogging, compressed air can be used to clean it from the inside out for continued use. Severely dirty filters should be replaced promptly. A dirty cabin air filter can become clogged with debris, reducing AC airflow and cooling efficiency, increasing fuel consumption and noise, and shortening the AC system's lifespan. Accumulated debris on the filter can breed bacteria and mold, posing health risks to passengers and potentially causing serious illnesses.
