If you suffer from environmental allergies, it’s important for you to know that your car may be making your allergies worse. What?! When was the last time you had the cabin air filter changed in your car? Surprisingly, for many the answer is “never.”  Most people aren’t even aware there is a special filter for the air that comes into their vehicle. So, if you have never replaced the cabin air filter or it has been a long time since you’ve had this done, you may want to have it taken care of right away. Here’s why it’s important.

The cabin air filter is designed to clean the air that enters the interior of your vehicle through the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system. When the cabin air filter becomes clogged or dirty, it can’t properly filter the road dust, pollen and other airborne particulate that comes at your vehicle as you’re driving. That means you end up breathing all those contaminants.

Similar to the air filters in your home heating and air conditioning system, your car, truck or van’s cabin air filter must be replaced regularly. The featured photograph shows what a cabin air filter looks like when it becomes clogged or dirty. This filter won’t be able to trap airborne allergens, dirt and dust. If you suffer from environmental allergies or asthma, you’ll find a ride in your car to be very unpleasant.

Car manufacturers recommend that you replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. If you live on a dirt road or drive in particularly heavy traffic, you should replace the filter more frequently – at least once a year.

How hard is it to replace a cabin air filter?

It all depends on where it’s located in your vehicle. Your owner’s manual will let you know where it’s it can be found and what type of filter to use for replacement. Cabin air filters located behind the glove box can be replaced quite easily, while others may be more difficult because they are located under the dashboard or under the hood and are not quickly accessible.

Let the automotive repair technicians at Geller’s Automotive in Byram, New Jersey, check and replace your cabin air filter during your next visit to our shop. We’ll even show you the old filter. You may be surprised at how much dirt and debris is attached to the filter. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment with Geller’s Automotive.