What is an Engine Air Filter : Complete Beginner Guide

An internal combustion engine needs air and fuel in proper proportions known as stoichiometric ratios, to carry out the combustion process which generates the required amount of energy to drive the vehicle from one place to another. 

The overall efficiency of an engine is strongly dependent on how the combustion is taking place and the quality and quantity of air defines the quality of combustion. Engine must be supplied with clean and sufficient air for proper combustion. 

This is where the engine air filter plays a vital role in providing clean air for combustion. To know your car best you should know what is an engine air filter? What does engine air filter do? its types, location and how often to change it.

Engine air filter

What is an Engine Air Filter?

An engine air filter is an important part of an engine that restricts the entry of dust and debris into the engine cylinder where the combustion takes place. It comes in various shapes and sizes and can be made of different materials such as paper, foam or cotton. 

Engine air filters made of paper are the most common amongst all other types as they are efficient and have lower cost compared to other available filter types. The shape and size of an engine air filter changes with the make and model of a vehicle but it is usually made rectangular or cylindrical. 

Furthermore, an engine air filter is made in a pleated or folded shape to increase its area to capture the dust and debris and manage the required flow of the air.

Engine Air Filter

What Does an Engine Air Filter Do?

A clean and quality air inside an engine cylinder is extremely important to maintain the quality of combustion, increase the fuel efficiency, enhance the engine power, increase the engine’s life, and reduce the discharge of unburnt hydrocarbons at the exhaust of an engine. 

An engine air filter is installed at the suction side of an engine and it stops dust and other unwanted particles from entering the combustion area of the engine i.e. cylinders. 

These unwanted filtered particles are collected at the pleated or folded surface of the filter and are usually cleaned after regular intervals to let the air flow properly through the engine air filter. 

If a filter is not clean or clogged with dust and debris, it will restrict the airflow through itself which will decrease the efficiency of the engine.

Types of Engine Air Filter? 

There are several types of engine air filter available in the market. The use of a specific air filter is dependent on the type of vehicle, its model and driving conditions. 

Shape of an Engine Air Filter

An engine air filter can be classified as rectangular and cylindrical based on its shape. A cylindrical engine air filter has a shape like a cylinder whose both ends are open. Such filters offer large surface area and have compact size which enables them to fit into tight spaces in an engine. 

Whereas a rectangular engine air filter with one or both ends open is more common than cylindrical shaped air filters. It must also be noted that some engine air filters may have unique shapes or features to fit specific engine configurations or to optimize airflow and filtration efficiency.

Material of an Engine Air Filter

An engine air filter can be made from different materials such as paper, foam, cotton or any appropriate synthetic material. Paper air filters usually made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) fiber are the most common amongst all the air filters. 

Foam air filters are made of polyurethane and can be reused up to several times. Cotton gauze air filters made up of multiple layers of cotton gauze are considered to be the most efficient engine air filters and are usually used in high-performance vehicles. 

Oil-bath engine air filters are also available in the market and are most suitable for dust-laden environments. Furthermore, most of the engine air filters are made pleated or folded to increase their surface area but non-pleated engine air filters have also been used. 

Similarly, most of the engine air filters can be reused after cleaning whereas few of them always need to be replaced after a certain amount of time or mileage of the vehicle.

Location of an Engine Air Filter?

Location of an engine air filter in a vehicle does not change greatly with the change in the model or the manufacturer of the vehicle. Front engine vehicles are the most common amongst all modern vehicles therefore an engine air filter should be looked under the hood of a vehicle. 

An engine air filter is usually very easy to locate. Lift the bonnet of your vehicle, and search for engine air filter housing. Air filter housing is usually a black box on the top or toward the side (right side preferably) of the engine. 

The air filter housing box usually has a tube connected to it which makes it easy to locate the engine air filter housing in a vehicle.

On the other hand, mid-engine and rear-engine vehicles are less common but in that case engine air filters will not be found under the hood but must be looked at within the engine area.

How often to change engine air filter?

Like any other part of an engine, an engine air filter has a working life after which its performance curve starts to go down. So how often to change engine air filter? An overused air filter will not be able to allow the incoming air to enter the engine easily due to its clogged surface which will affect the performance of the engine. 

Different types of engine air filters made of different materials are available and their working life span is not similar to each other. The life of an engine air filter also depends on various factors such as driving conditions, environment, and the quality of the filter. 

In general, paper air filters are designed to last between 10,000 to 15,000 miles (16,000 to 24,000 kilometers) under normal driving conditions. 

To replace filter with new one we recommend to buy the best one after complete search of engine air filter. An engine air filter made of cotton is washable and reusable and typically has a longer lifespan compared to a paper filter. 

Depending on the quality of the filter and driving conditions, a cotton air filter can last up to 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers) or more before needing to be cleaned and re-oiled, which can extend the filter's life even further. 

However, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and re-oiling to ensure that the filter is functioning correctly and not causing any damage to the engine.

Similarly, engine air filters made of foam are also durable and long-lasting, but their lifespan can vary depending on the quality of the filter and driving conditions. 

Foam filters are also designed to be washable and reusable, and with proper maintenance and cleaning, they can last for several years or more.

Concluding the Engine Air Filter

Now you know what deliver a clean air to your engine for combustion. You should change your cabin air filter as and when required with a compatible and recommended engine air filter.

How to Clean a Cabin Air Filter

A cabin air filter like an engine filter is responsible to restrict the entry of several pollutants such as dust particles, allergens, and pollen particles into the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of a vehicle to ensure the health and safety of passengers. Therefore, a cabin air filter must stay clean 

Like any other part of a machine, the performance of a cabin air filter deteriorates over time of its usage. This happens because pollutants and other debris get clogged up in the pores of a cabin air filter. 

Hence, if a filter is not clean it must be replaced or in some cases can be cleaned and reused to let the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of a vehicle operate at their peak ability. We will discuss the chances of reusing a cabin air filter, How to inspect cabin air filter, and how to clean a cabin air filter in this article.

Can we reuse a cabin air filter?

A cabin air filter is a very important part or component of the heating ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle. 

A dusty or clogged cabin air filter will not allow the required amount of airflow into the system which will lower the efficiency and the performance of both the engine and heating ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle. Therefore, a cabin air filter must be checked periodically for its condition. 

Two types of cabin air filters are available in the market i.e. HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) and activated carbon or activated charcoal air filter. HEPA is a kind of mechanical air filter whereas activated carbon air filters are chemically reactive cabin air filters. 

Both HEPA and activated carbon cabin air filters can be reused but there it is important to note that the effectiveness of an activated carbon cabin air filter will decrease over time as the activated carbon becomes saturated with impurities. 

However, the condition of an activated carbon cabin air filter will depend on several factors such as the frequency of use, the type of contaminants in the air, and the size of the filter. 

Similarly, a HEPA cabin air filter can be reused if it is not excessively dirty or damaged. If the HEPA cabin air filter is only slightly dirty, it can be cleaned and reused using several methods. 

However, most cabin air filters are designed to be disposable and should be replaced periodically to ensure optimal performance. Similar to the activated carbon cabin air filter, the condition of the filter depends on several factors, including driving conditions, climate, and usage.

How to inspect a cabin air filter?

A cabin air filter must be regularly checked for dirt and or any damage to it to avoid any complications in the heating and air conditioning system of a vehicle. A step-by-step DIY (do it yourself) procedure for analyzing a cabin air filter is given below.

Step 1: Locate the cabin air filter

A cabin air filter is typically located under the hood or behind the glove box of a vehicle. Most modern-day cars have their cabin air filter behind the glove box but the exact location of a cabin air filter can be determined using the vehicle’s maintenance manual. We will discuss the procedure

Step 2: Remove the filter

The second step is to remove the filter from its place. To do it, locate and loosen the screw that is keeping the glovebox in its place. One might also need to remove an additional band that also holds the glovebox. 

Take the cabin air filter out of its place carefully so that dust and debris don’t fall out from it. Once the cabin air filter has been located and found, it can be taken out by gently pressing the clips around it.

Step 3: Inspect the filter

Once the filter has been removed, check its condition carefully. There are three different types of tests you can perform to inspect car cabin air filters.

• Visual Inspection Test
• Sniff test
• Blow test

Visual Inspection Test

This is done to inspect any physical damage or know the condition of the air filter due to dust and debris. Any damage to the body or too much dust stuck on the filter surface will result in replacement of the cabin air filter with a new one.

Sniff Test

As air filters block all types of foreign objects from entering into vehicle HVAC systems, there is a good chance that biodegradable things stuck on the filter surface will start to decompose or other objects will chemically react with filter material.

Sniff test will make sense of any bad material in the filter that is not possible with a visual inspection test.

Blow Test

With no physical damage on the filter surface and no bad odor, a cabin air filter can still go bad due to deep internal blockage. So a blow of pressurized air will help to check the flow of air through the air filter. 

Pressure needs to be moderate, not too high to damage the filter. You can even try to blow air by yourself with the help of any pipe that distance cabin air filter from your face.

If particles of dust or other debris are available in the filter, the filter should be cleaned or replaced. Furthermore, the pleats of the filter play an important role in capturing contaminants by increasing its surface area therefore pleats of the filter must be inspected properly to ensure that they're not clogged with dirt or debris.

On the other hand, a carbon-activated cabin air filter might not be replaced because these filters contain activated carbon and cannot be cleaned in the traditional ways, as washing or drying the filter would remove the activated carbon particles.

Step 4: Check for damage

The filter housing should also be observed for any damage such as wear and tear, holes, or worn edges. If the filter housing is damaged, it must be replaced immediately to avoid unwanted consequences because a damaged filter housing can’t be repaired.

Step 5: Check the size and shape

If the current underuse filter was not replaced under your supervision or by a professional person, check the rating and type of the filter carefully because a low-rated filter cannot stop unwanted pollutants from entering the HVAC system.

Step 6: Reinsert the filter

Once the inspection has been completed, reinsert the filter back into its place. Make sure to secure it properly and ensure that it's properly seated. If the filter is located behind the glove box, reattach the glove box before closing it.

How to clean a cabin air filter?

A cabin air filter can be cleaned and reused but it is very important to consult the vehicle’s manual and comprehend the filter’s specification before attempting the cleaning procedure to avoid any damage to the HVAC system of a vehicle. 

It should also be noted that a carbon-activated cabin air filter is not easy to clean because the activated-carbon particles may fall from the cabin air filter which will reduce its filtering efficiency.

Here are several methods on how to clean a cabin air filter which have been stated below.

Tap Method 

If a filter is in good condition and contains dust in its pleated or folded region, gently tap it to remove the available dust or debris.

Vacuum Method

If a cabin air filter is relatively more clogged with dirt and pollutants, a vacuum cleaner can be used to suck the dust out from it.

Soap and Water Method

A filter based on its specification and make can also be washed for its cleaning. Usually, a cabin air filter made of paper can only be replaced but some cloth-made filters are reusable and can stand up to a wash. To wash it, soak the cabin air filter in a solution of soap and water, then rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely.

Compressed Air Method

To blow the dust and debris out of a cabin air filter, pressurized or compressed air can also be used.

Cabin Air filter cleaning kit

Cleaning a cabin air filter using a filter cleaning kit can help improve the quality of air that enters your vehicle's cabin. Here are the steps to follow:

• Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area and turn off the engine.

• Locate the cabin air filter. This is usually found under the dashboard, behind the glove compartment or in the engine compartment.

• Remove the cabin air filter from its housing.

• Buy the best cabin air filter cleaning kit.

• Follow the instructions on the filter cleaning kit to prepare the cleaning solution. Most filter cleaning kits come with a cleaner and a spray bottle.

• Spray the cleaning solution on the filter, making sure to cover all areas of the filter. Allow the solution to soak in for a few minutes, as specified by the instructions on the kit.

• Rinse the filter thoroughly with water. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution.

• Allow the filter to dry completely before reinstalling it in its housing. Do not use any heat source to dry the filter, as this may damage it.

• Reinstall the filter in its housing and make sure it is securely in place.

Start your vehicle and test the air flow from the vents. If the air flow seems to be restricted, you may need to repeat the cleaning process or replace the filter.

Last works on how to clean a cabin air filter

Your car cabin air filter must be kept clean and in proper working conditions to ensure clean air in your car cabin. To how to clean a cabin air filter, we recommend to use cabin air filter cleaner as they are best in their work.

How Often to Change Cabin Air Filter (with location and Procedure)

Like other parts of an engine or a running machinery, a cabin air filter also gets old with time and efficiency of its working reduces over the span of its usage. 

The replacement of the air filter is usually contingent with the mileage of the vehicle but the efficiency of the cabin air filter is also dependent upon the external environment. 

If the outside environment is more dusty or sandy, the cabin air filter will get old quickly. Hence, to increase the efficiency of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle and to avoid any damages to the system, replacing the cabin air filter is quite imperative.

How Often to Change Cabin Air Filter

A cabin air filter should be changed for every 12000 miles or after one year period. There are different types of cabin air filters based on their material, design and usage. Their expected useful life can vary. So it's better to inspect your cabin air filter for every 3000 miles or 3 months.

There are two main types of cabin air filter; reusable cabin air filter and single use cabin air filter. Reusable cabin air filters have much greater useful life than single use cabin air filters. So its all depends on the type of cabin air filter and its use.

Location Cabin Air Filter

Location cabin air filter varies based on brand, model and year of release. Some vehicles have it under the glovebox, some have it under the hood and some vehicles have cabin air filter under the dash board.

Following is a list of most used cars in USA and UK and their location cabin air filter behind glove box

• Ford F-150 - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Honda CR-V - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, near the passenger-side windshield.

• Chevrolet Silverado - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Toyota RAV4 - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the windshield.

• Toyota Camry - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Mazda CX-5 - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the firewall.

• Honda Civic - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Hyundai Elantra - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the windshield.

• Nissan Altima - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Kia Sorento - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the windshield.

• Honda Accord - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Subaru Impreza - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the firewall.

• Toyota Corolla - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Mitsubishi Outlander - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the firewall.

• Ford Escape - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Nissan Rogue - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the firewall.

• Ford Fusion - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Chevrolet Equinox - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the windshield.

• Chevrolet Malibu - The cabin air filter is located behind the glove box.

• Jeep Cherokee - The cabin air filter is located in the engine compartment, on the passenger side of the vehicle, near the windshield.

Please note that the location of the cabin air filter can vary depending on the year and model of the car. It is always recommended to consult the owner's manual or a certified mechanic to find the exact location of the cabin air filter in your specific vehicle.

How to change the Cabin Air Filter?

Replacement of the cabin air filter is usually an easy process and it does not take long. If you are doing it yourself (DIY work), it might take you 30-40 minutes to complete it. 

But you might be aware of the fact that the location of the cabin air filter and insulation of the ventilation and air conditioning system changes with the change in the model of a vehicle or vehicle’s manufacturer. 

Therefore, the time or the process of changing a cabin air filter might vary from case to case. But most of the vehicles have their cabin air filter located behind the glovebox. 

Therefore we will discuss the step by step procedure of changing the cabin air filter that is located behind the glovebox.

• Open the glovebox and empty it completely by taking out everything.

•  Locate the screw that is keeping the glovebox in its place. Use the commonly available screwdriver to open the screw, take the screw out and keep it in a safe location within or outside of your vehicle. 

• Few vehicles come with a band that holds the glovebox in place that you may also need to release to disassemble the glovebox.

• Press both sides of the glovebox gently and take it out of its place. This will expose the area behind the glovebox where the cabin air filter is located. 

• Please avoid putting extra force on the glovebox to avoid the cracking of hinges.

• Squeeze the tab on either side of the cabin air filter cover to remove it. Once the cover is removed, take out the old cabin air filter slowly as it might be full of dust particles that may fall out of it.

• Check the housing for excessive or fallen out dirt and debris and vacuum them out if required.

• Put the new filter in the housing and make sure that the arrow on the front of the cabin air filter points in the right direction.

• Once the filter is seated in its place, reinstall its cover.

The last step of the replacement process is to take the glovebox and slide it into its original position and put the screw and band (if required) back in their place. At the end, close the glovebox and you are done.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cost

The replacement of the cabin air filter is not a hefty process and does not involve a large number of steps. But, the cost of replacing a cabin air filter depends upon many factors such as labor cost, location of the market where you are going to buy and get it replaced and the brand or manufacturer of the cabin air filter. 

A cabin air filter itself is not a very expensive item and the average price of an air filter may vary between $10 and $20 at a local market. You will be able to save the additional labor cost, if you are interested in carrying out the replacement as DIY (do it yourself) work. 

Whereas, if you go to a mechanic for the replacement then the cabin air filter replacement cost can be between $50 to $100 including filter cost. Furthermore, the labor cost is dependent upon the location of the cabin air filter in your vehicle and the location of the market where you are going to get the cabin air filter replaced. 

If the cabin air filter of your car is under the hood or behind the vehicle’s glovebox, the replacement will be easy and the labor cost will be less. Few of the cars have their cabin air filter under the dash which might make the replacement a bit hefty and the cost of replacement might go up. 

Furthermore, location of a mechanic's shop might also affect the replacement costs because markets downtown are comparatively more expensive than the markets that are in the suburban areas of a city.

What are the advantages of timely replacement of Cabin Air Filter?

Similar to the fact that an engine needs clean air to have proper combustion and power output, the passengers in the vehicle’s internal compartment also need fresh and clean air to stay comfortable and enjoy a healthy journey. 

A cabin air filter, similar to the filter at the engine air intake, is an extremely important part of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of a vehicle. A cabin air filter is installed at the start of the ducts that take outside air into the internal compartment of a vehicle. 

A timely replacement of cabin air filter have several advantages which are given below:

 A cabin air filter restricts the entry of several air pollutants such as bacteria, road soot, exhaust gasses and pollen particles into the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

Replacement of the cabin air filter will increase the amount of airflow into the passenger compartment of the vehicle which will enhance the efficiency of the vehicle's HVAC system to defrost, ventilate and air condition the vehicle and will make the environment inside the compartment comfortable.

A newly replaced cabin air filter will keep the inside environment of the vehicle fresh and free from any foul or unpleasant odor.

Increased airflow will not cause any harm to the people with allergies or any other health conditions.

What will happen if you don’t replace the Cabin Air Filter?

The main duty of a cabin air filter is to send fresh air into the passenger compartment of a vehicle. A newly bought cabin air filter is clean and void of dust particles whereas an old or overused air filter will get clogged up with dust particles and will be unable to perform its function in an inefficient way. More disadvantages of an old or overused cabin air filter are given below:

A cabin air filter filled up with impurities and dust will not allow enough fresh air to enter the passenger compartment of the vehicle and hence the amount of fresh incoming air to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system may decrease which will compromise the comfort of the passengers. 

Furthermore, the ability of the HVAC system of the vehicle to defrost, air condition and ventilate the vehicle might plummet as well.

An overused or old cabin air filter will cause a musty or unpleasant odor within the passenger compartment of a vehicle.

The window of the vehicle might fog up very easily from inside of the passenger’s compartment. This problem is very easily noticeable in the cold weather and the driver will face visibility problems.

People with specific health conditions such as allergy and asthma etc. might not be able to travel comfortably and the suffocating environment in the passenger’s compartment might also elevate their health conditions.

Bad Cabin Air Filter Symptom

A cabin air filter is designed to prevent unhealthy and harmful bacteria or particles from entering the vehicle’s passenger cabin. 

A new or properly cleaned cabin air filter only allows fresh air molecules to enter the heating and air conditioning system of an automobile which keeps the inside environment of a vehicle safe and healthy for passengers. But with time, the cabin air filter gets old and its performance deteriorates. 

Therefore, a cabin air filter must be replaced or cleaned periodically to achieve the purpose for which it has been designed. There are a few bad cabin air filter symptom associated with an old or poorly performing cabin air filter which are given below and have been discussed in detail one by one.

Bad Cabin Air Filter Symptom

Following is comprehensive list of Bad Cabin Air Filter Symptoms

• Reduced airflow from the HVAC system

• Strange odors inside the vehicle

• Dust and debris blowing into the cabin

• Poor defrost performance

• Increase in allergens and irritants inside the vehicle

• Diminished fuel efficiency, air conditioning performance, and cause of foggy windows

• Strange noises coming from the HVAC system

Reduced airflow from the HVAC system

Several types of cabin air filters are available in the market. Famous and common cabin air filters are activated carbon cabin air filters and HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) cabin air filters.

Reduced Air Flow in HEPA cabin air filter: HEPA is a kind of mechanical air filter that does not allow particles of size larger than its pores to enter the heating and air conditioning. The particles (dust and other allergens etc.) that do not enter the HVAC system of the vehicle are collected at the exterior of the filter. 

With time, the filtered debris and dust particles increase and fill in the pores of the cabin air filter. In this way, the area or passage for the fresh air molecules to enter the filter pores decreases and hence the incoming airflow reduces.

Reduced Air Flow in activated carbon cabin air filter: Activated carbon or activated charcoal cabin air filter are a kind of chemical air filter that has an activated carbon layer also known as charcoal which reacts with the air contaminants (volatile organic compounds, pollen particles, etc.) and binds with them. 

This phenomenon reduces the passage for air molecules to enter the heating and air conditioning system of the vehicle and hence reduces the airflow inside the passenger’s cabin.

Strange odors inside the vehicle

Strange or unpleasant odor in the case of HEPA filters: Two types of cabin air filters are used commonly. HEPA cabin air filters are the most common ones whereas activated carbon cabin air filters are also used in several vehicles. 

The HEPA cabin air filter being the mechanical air filter is not able to stop foul and unpleasant odors from entering the HVAC system of a vehicle. 

So, if an unpleasant or foul odor is entering the HVAC system from the outside environment, then it is not a symptom of a weak or bad cabin air filter. But in a few cases, a HEPA cabin air filter can become the source of bad odors when it gets old. 

This is because moisture and other dirt particles filtered at the exterior surface of a cabin air filter mix with each other and stimulate bacterial growth. If this is the case, a filter then must be cleaned or replaced to get rid of such unpleasant odors. 

Although, few cabin air filters have antimicrobial properties that prevent bacterial growth and keep foul odors away.

Strange or unpleasant odor in the case of activated carbon or activated charcoal cabin air filter: Activated carbon cabin air filter is a kind of chemical air filter which unlike a HEPA cabin air filter can also prevent foul or unpleasant odors from passing through it. 

With time, the activated carbon binds with the molecules of gaseous particles and the surface of the cabin air filter gets covered by a layer of those entrapped molecules. Hence, the efficiency of such filters decreases with time and their ability to prevent foul odors from entering the system diminishes. Such filters cannot be cleaned and reused so therefore they must be replaced.

Dust and debris blowing into the cabin

A cabin air filter is designed to prevent dust particles and other pollutants from entering the HVAC system of a vehicle. Different types of filters are available in the market but the most common ones have activated carbon cabin air filters and HEPA cabin air filters. 

All these filters are rated on some standards such as MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values), MPR (Microparticle Performance Rating), FPR (Filter Performance Rating), and beta rating. 

A cabin air filter with the lowest rating filters out the fewest particles whereas the one with the highest rating prevents almost all unwanted particles from entering the HVAC system. 

Hence, if dust and debris are blowing into the cabin, it can be said that the installed filter might be of low ranking on a given standard. The second reason for dust and debris to enter the system can be an old cabin air filter whose sides are not properly seated in their place. 

Poor defrost performance

If the cabin air filter is not clean and clogged up with dust and other pollutants, it will not allow the appropriate and required amount of airflow through it.

 In the case of low airflow into the heating and air conditioning system of a vehicle, the air conditioning system becomes colder and colder and frosting starts to happen. Therefore, an old air filter will affect the defrosting performance of the HVAC unit of the vehicle.

Increase in allergens and irritants inside the vehicle

The air inside the vehicle’s passenger compartment must stay fresh and this will only happen if the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system of the vehicle is working appropriately and efficiently. 

If proper ventilation is not being carried out due to the blockage of air at the cabin air filter, dust, and other pollen or allergic particles will start to accumulate in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Therefore, if someone is not feeling at ease in a vehicle, the condition of the cabin air filter must be checked.

Diminished air conditioning performance & cause of foggy windows

An appropriate and compatible cabin air filter must allow air molecules to enter the HVAC system of a vehicle with almost no restriction. But a filter clogged with dust and other particles will not be able to do so and to meet the airflow requirement, the engine would need to put in more work. 

This extra work takes more power from the engine’s crankshaft and hence the mileage and fuel efficiency of the engine decreases. Additionally, when a cabin air filter is not clean, the airflow into the system decreases and disturbs the airflow balance across the system. 

Due to this the air conditioning and ventilation performance of the system starts to fade away. Furthermore, a poorly performing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system will not be able to maintain the humidity requirements of the passenger area of the vehicle which might make the windows foggy and unclean.

Strange noises coming from the HVAC system

Although noise generation from cabin air filters is not a common phenomenon it may happen in some cases due to the following reasons. 

If the cabin air filter is not seated properly at its place, the air will enter the HVAC system from its sides and will make the process noisy. Therefore, if the HVAC system is noisy, the cabin air filter must be checked for its proper seating or installation.

The second reason for noises being generated from the HVAC system is the clogged cabin air filter. A cabin air filter whose pores have been blocked by filtered dust and other pollutants will not allow air to pass easily. This phenomenon will generate whistling and strange noises from the HVAC system of the vehicle.

Concluding Bad Cabin Air Filter Symptoms

A bad cabin air filter symptoms are discussed in details above and symptoms like bad odor, poor air quality, poorly performing AC system and foggy windows are all common found symptoms of bad cabin air filter. 

These issues can also be caused by other factors so you may need to work very comprehensively to solve these problems. If you have any question do message us or make a comment about it.

What is a Cabin Air Filter (working, location & cost)

Everyone like to have a clean, fresh and odorless air in their car cabin. It always feel good to sit in car cabin that just feel fresh and pleasent. This is only possible if you have a functional cabin air filter.

If you does not have much information about this then this is for you. This is a complete beginner guide on cabin air filter explaining What is a cabin air filter? what does a cabin air filter do? location cabin air filter and cost of cabin air filter.

What is a Cabin Air Filter?

As the name indicates that cabin air filter is an air filter which is installed in vehicles to block the entry of pollutants and other contaminants from the environment into the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system of your car. 

Air filters are made up with a wide variety of materials that vary from application to application. Aluminum, paper, foam, carbon, steel, fiberglass or plastic etc. can be used in the making of an air filter. 

Air filters are usually categorized into two types. The first type is pleated air filters and the second type of air filters are called non-pleated air filters. 

A cabin air filter is usually a pleated or folded unit usually made up of multi-fiber cotton or any engineered material suitable for air filtering. 

Cabin air filters and usually all the air filters are made folded or pleated to increase the surface area. Increased surface area of a cabin air filter enable it to capture more contaminants and particles from air therefore a pleated or folded air filter has a longer life than that of a fiberglass air filter. 

Furthermore, pleated air filters can filter smaller particles as compared to non-pleated air filters and hence are considered efficient. However, pleated air filters are usually blamed to restrict the air flow.

What does a Cabin Air Filter do?

Like an engine filter that restricts the entry of air contaminants and other pollutants into the suction side of the engine. 

A cabin air filter is used to filter the air contaminants, road soot, exhaust gases, pollen particles and several other impurities to enter the air conditioning and ventilation system of a car or a vehicle to keep its internal environment healthy and safe for the passengers. 

A car or vehicle with dirty filter or a filter that needs replacement will provide an uncomforting experience of driving and diminished efficiency of defrosting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. 

Furthermore, a cabin air filter keeps the inside environment of a car or vehicle fresh and free from any foul odor. Hence, a clean and new or efficient cabin air filter will increase the airflow, defrosting and air conditioning ability and windows will not fog up easily.

Where is the Cabin Air Filter?

The location of cabin air filter can vary with the change in model of a car and the layout of the heating ventilation and air conditioning system. 

The cabin air filter is usually located at the start of ducts that take air into the passenger area of a car or a vehicle. 

It is installed directly behind the cover of intake channel. In few cars or vehicles, the cabin air filter is placed vertically while in the other the filter is placed horizontally.

We will discuss the different locations of a cabin air filter in the vehicles

• Most of the vehicles have their air filters behind the glove box. One might need to disassemble the glovebox cover to see it. 

• To see the procedure for the removal of glovebox cover and find the exact location of cabin air filter, the operation or user manual of a vehicle should be consulted.

source endurance

• In few models of the cars and vehicles, major components of heating and air conditioning system can be found under the hood or bonnet of the car. 

• So, to find the location of cabin air filter, one have to open the hinged cover of the bonnet. The exact location of the cabin air filter can be found using the vehicle’s manual.

source wikimedia

• Cabin air filter of few vehicles can be found under the dash or near the accelerator and break pedal. Such type of cabin air filter are not easily accessible.

source Honda of bay County

How often should Cabin Air Filter be replaced?

Cabin air filter life is about 12000 miles or one year

Over the time of usage, a cabin air filter becomes filled up with dirt and other contaminants available in the environmental air. 

When this happens, an air filter can no longer do its job for which it has been designed and it must be replaced. There are several signs that indicate the improper and inefficient working of a cabin air filter. 

If you notice a lower air flow through your car or vehicle, or any musty or unpleasant odor or smell in the car’s cabin or haze on the inside of the car windows, then these are all a pretty good signs that it’s a good time to replace the cabin air filter. 

Furthermore, a new cabin air filter is usually clean and have no spots or dust accumulated on it while an old air filter will be dusty and full of spots etc. A cabin air filter needs to be replaced regularly and more often. 

There is no rule of thumb to change or replace the air filter and like many of the other components of the engine, the replacement of cabin air filter is also coupled with the mileage of the vehicle. 

The good practice is to replace the cabin air filter above or every 12000 miles or once a year. 

How much is a Cabin Air Filter?

Cabin air filter cost can be between $15 to $45

The replacement of cabin air filter is not a complex or cumbersome process. The cost of cabin air filter depends upon a few factors i.e. model of the car, cabin air filter manufacturer, quality of cabin air filter and labor cost. 

As discussed in the preceding lines, different cars have different location for cabin air filter. If the air filter is placed is in the hood or behind the glove compartment then the replacement is going to be easy and cheap. 

Whereas in other cases, it might add some extra labor cost to the process. If you are planning to replace the cabin air filter yourself, it will take from few minutes to an hour and cost can be as low as $15 to $45. 

Here is the List of Cabin air filter cost for Most common vehicles.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 for a replacement cabin air filter for a Ford F-150.

• Ford F-150 - Some newer models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $15 to $50.
• RAM Pickup 1500 - Some newer models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $15 to $30. 

• Toyota RAV4 - Most models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $10 to $20. 

• Honda CR-V - Most models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $10 to $20. 

• Toyota Camry - Most models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $10 to $20. 

• Chevrolet Equinox - Most models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $10 to $25. 

• Toyota Corolla - Most models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 - Some newer models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $15 to $30.

• Honda Civic - Most models have cabin air filters, and replacement filters can cost anywhere from $10 to $20.