Hey, Duke here. You know when I go for a car ride, I love to stick my big nose out the window and take a big whiff of all the wonderful smells in the air. Sometimes, though, when my owner makes me get my head back inside and I smell the inside of the car, it doesn't always smell... well, wonderful. So today, we are going to take a deep breath and discuss the importance of the Cabin Air Filter.
When you get in your vehicle, how does it smell? If it's not so nice, it may be time to have your cabin air filter changed.
It's not the same one that filters out the air used in the engine. The cabin air filter screens out dust and other particulates from the outside air so when they enter the cabin, you don't have to breathe them when you're driving. Maybe your commute finds you traveling along dusty rural roads, or maybe you pass by some city factories with smokestacks spewing out smoky exhausts. Or, in spring, maybe you notice your allergies acting up because of the pollen in the air. The cabin air filter will remove a lot of those things.
The more it filters out, the more small particles accumulate. This reduces the amount of airflow the heating/air conditioning system can handle, and you may notice less air coming through your vehicle's vents. This can also be a sign that you need your air filter replaced.
Our technicians will remove and inspect the air filter, which is usually located around the glove compartment, under the dash, or sometimes in the engine compartment. If you wish, your service advisor can show you what condition yours is in; if it needs replacing, you'll be able to see the dirt, bugs, leaves, and other crud that accumulates after several months of driving.
Each vehicle's manufacturer recommends an interval after which the cabin air filter should be replaced. Depending on how much and where you drive, you might need a replacement more or less often than the manual suggests.
Just like you clean your furnace filters periodically, it's wise to do the same with your vehicle. After you do, you'll find you might just breathe easier!
My quote this week about breathing,
"Breathe and you know that you are alive." ~Annabel Laity
Duke
Allied Auto Works
2073 Grant Road
Los Altos, CA 94024
650.968.7227
http://alliedautoworks.com