WIX Filters, a global manufacturer of filtration products, is kicking off the spring season with a cabin air filter Q&A. Spring is the perfect time of year to learn about and change this important filter in your car or truck.
“Americans spend more than five billion hours in traffic each year, and that’s a lot of time spent inside an automobile,” said Donald Chilton, vice president of product management for WIX Filters. “Many people aren’t aware that when they’re driving in heavy traffic, the air quality inside their cars could be much worse than it is outside. That’s where the cabin air filter comes in.”
What exactly does a cabin air filter do? These filters clean outside air as it travels into the car and through the cabin fan. They are antimicrobial to protect drivers from allergens and they’re either white poly or carbon impregnated to remove any odors from the air. In short, cabin air filters make the air inside your car more breathable.
How do you know if your vehicle has a cabin air filter? More than 80 percent of all domestic and foreign nameplate vehicles sold in the United States have a cabin air filter, so chances are, yours is equipped with one. You can figure this out one of three ways: check your owner’s manual, go to WIXFilters.com and use our Filter Look-Up or call your local service center.
How do you know when to replace the filter? Generally, you should change your cabin air filter at least once a year or sometime between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, but it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for exact timing and mileage.
Does my geographic location play a role in when I should replace the filter? Absolutely. Location, climate and seasonality each play a role in how often you should replace your filter. If you work on a construction site and are constantly kicking up dirt and dust when you drive, your filter may need to be replaced more frequently. Humid climates can make the air inside your car damp which can also affect the cabin air filter, and if you live in a state that experiences seasons with high pollen counts, you may need to change the cabin air filter more regularly.
Is a cabin air filter hard to change? Not usually, and most can be changed in 15 minutes or less. At the very least, your owner’s manual should show you where the cabin air filter is located and some will also guide you through replacing it. All of WIX’s cabin air filters come with a detailed instruction sheet to guide you through proper installation. And, for even more help, YouTube has a lot of great instructional videos to help you through the process.
For more information, contact your nearest WIX distributor or visit www.wixfilters.com.
