How to Know When it’s Time to Change Your Cabin Air Filter

Curious how to change your cabin air filter? Toyota of Clermont can help! We’ll explain what this part does, the signs it needs replacement, what happens if you skip it, and how to check it. We’re “Making it Simple®”—if you notice bad odors, you’ll know what to do.

What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?

The cabin air filter sits in your HVAC system in your Clermont Toyota. Its main job is to clean the air entering the cabin. As outside air flows through the vents, the filter traps dust, pollen, smog, mold, bacteria, exhaust, and odors. No one wants to smell mold on a beach road trip! What a vibe killer!

Why is the Cabin Air Filter Important?

Why is the cabin air filter important? Toyota of Clermont has the details. Grab your cup!

• Air Quality and Health. The cabin air filter serves as a barrier between outdoor pollutants and the cabin, shielding you and your passengers from allergens and irritants. Additionally, this is ideal for anyone with severe seasonal allergies (or those who experience them year-round in Central Florida).

• Comfort. Also, keeping out dust and bad odors ensures that your ride stays pleasant and fresh. This allows you to relax during your commute to work!

• HVAC Performance. Plus, having clean air allows the filter to let air flow freely through the system. This allows your Clermont Toyota vehicle to have efficient cooling, heating, and defrosting of your windows.

• Vehicle Protection. Next, catching particles before they enter the HVAC system extends the life and reduces your Clermont Toyota auto repairs. This can get costly if you don’t keep up with this simple fix!

Signs This Auto Part Needs to be Replaced

So, what are some signs that your cabin air filter needs to be replaced? It’s always better to be proactive with this auto part. Let’s get into it!

• Reduced Airflow from Vents. First, if you notice that the air isn’t blasting you like normal, this could be a sign that the filter is closed and blocking air movement.

• Bad Smells Inside the Cabin. Also, if you notice any musty or moldy odors when running the AC, this missght be a sign that there’s trapped contaminants or mold growth.

• Foggy Windows that Won’t Clear. If you’re windows are fogging up relentlessly, we’ve you covered! This might be due to a clogged filter that prevents the air to move onto your windshield.

• Dust on Surfaces. If you’re seeing a bunch of dust on your dashboard and seats, this is a red flag! A dirty filter allows more particles to come through into the cabin.

• Noisy or Strained HVAC. If your vent whistles, the fan is louder, or the system works harder (but not smarter), this might mean your cabin air filter is blocked.

• Allergies Going Crazy. If you find yourself sneezing, coughing, or having watery eyes while driving, this could be due to your filter living past its expiry date. Get this replaced ASAP at Toyota of Clermont.

Also, a lot of manufacturers suggest changing this filter every 12,000-15,00 miles or once a year. However, if you drive in cities, construction zones, dirt roads, or a lot of pollen, you’ll need replacements more often.

What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Cabin Air Filter?

If you notice your cabin air filter giving you some problems, schedule your car maintenance at Toyota of Clermont! First, let’s go over what happens if you notice any of these problems and what it means.

• Decreased Air Quality. A clogged air filter loses effectiveness and lets allergens and pollutants in the cabin of your ride. Also, this can get worse during allergy season, which is literally year-round at Toyota of Clermont.

• Reduced HVAC Efficiency. When the filter blocks the airflow, the system has to work harder to keep up. Also, this extra strain can cause the blower motor or fan to overheat and fail.

• Bad Odors. Also, if you smell any bad odors, this can mean that there’s mold or bacteria on your filter. It’s never good to breathe in mold!

• Poor Visibility. Plus, if fog doesn’t clear from your windows easily, a clogged filter could be the culprit.

• Dirty Cabin. Also, if you have a dirty cabin, this can be caused by the Clermont Toyota cabin air filter.

• Environmental Impacts. Everyone loves a green environment. If you don’t keep up with your cabin air filter replacements, this can add to your cabin footprint.

How to Check and Replace Your Cabin Air Filter

If you want to replace your filter, you might be wondering where to start. We’ve got you covered! You can do this all by yourself if you don’t have time to stop by Toyota of Clermont! This is typically located behind the glovebox or under your dashboard. You should check for heavy dust, dirty buildup, discoloration, black spots, cracking, and any damage.

If you spot any of these signs, stop by our dealership to have your filter replaced by our auto service technicians.

Schedule Car Maintenance at Toyota of Clermont!

Do you need to schedule car maintenance? Stop by our dealership to get a new filter in your ride today! We’re located at 16851 State Road 50 just west of the Florida Turnpike.

Posted in Clermont Toyota Service | No Comments »