The cabin filter is one of the components of the car, which is designed to purify the air entering through heating system. In the instructions for the car, where the replacement procedure is prescribed, there are recommendations on how often to change the cabin filter. But in fact, this type of work is carried out more often. The reasons and frequency of filter replacement will be considered in the article.
[ Hide ]
Filter location
Finding where the cabin filter is located is easy, it is located under dashboard on the driver's side or inside glove compartment, depending on the brand of car. IN domestic cars The cabin filter is located under the hood in a special cassette or under the windshield. The user manual for the car will greatly simplify the search process.
Filter types
To modern car filters stringent requirements. They must be compact and perform their function flawlessly even in critical conditions: in conditions of cold start and high blood pressure. The frequency of changing the filter in the car depends on the operating conditions, and is also set according to the manufacturer's regulations.
The cabin filter is responsible for cleaning the air entering the car. Otherwise, it is also called a carbon filter, because it is made from activated carbon. Filter clogging is determined by fogged windows or when air from the stove does not enter the cabin well. The period of operation of the cabin filter according to the manufacturer's regulations is approximately every 10 thousand km.
Initially, when designing the first models of auto filters, everyone had standard ones. Later they were improved to two-layer. Today, cabin filters are made on the basis of activated carbon, which is capable of absorbing molecules of such harmful substances as, for example, sulfur, nitrogen oxide and the like.
- Mechanical. Air enters the cabin through the thin fibers of the mesh.
- Absorption. Thanks to the activated carbon base, it absorbs not only dust, but also odors.
There are also soot types air cleaners. These filters are only available on vehicles with diesel engine. They trap solid particles exhaust gases. This type of filter does not need to be replaced; it cleans itself during post-injection. If, nevertheless, the filter is clogged, it is cleaned at official dealerships.
All car filters must be in good condition, in order to determine the frequency of their replacement, you must be guided by the information prescribed in the operation book.
Does it need to be changed and how often?
Many motorists classify the replacement of the cabin filter as an “optional” work. But it is important to remember that traffic safety depends not only on the experience of the driver, but also on his well-being, and clean air in the cabin is simply a must.
The service life of the cabin filter and the replacement interval are indicated in the operating book. However, after how much time and how often to change the cabin filter, you need to calculate based on the conditions of use of the car. In each country, the situation on the roads is different; in Russian megacities, due to increased dust content, the filter serves less than it should.
It is impossible to independently understand that it is time to change the cabin filter. If there is no dust on the surface of the filter, this does not mean that it is clean.
Some motorists prefer to remove the cabin filter for the winter, because they notice that in this case the stove heats the air in the cabin faster. This is especially true when it snows and air humidity is high, and when rapid heating glass fogging is significantly reduced. The option is acceptable if there is snow on the roadsides and roads and there is no debris and dust.
Signs of need for replacement
You can determine when you need to change this element in a car by indirect indicators:
- inside the car is seen steady bad smell;
- air conditioning in summer time years and the stove in winter work at maximum, but the power is still not enough;
- the glasses are sweating, it is noted elevated level humidity in the cabin.
It must be taken into account that the average duration of the filter is 20-25 thousand kilometers.
Video instruction on how to replace the cabin filter in a Renault car from the Autospy channel.
How to replace the cabin filter
As already mentioned, the cabin filter can be located in different places, depending on the brand of car.
For example, consider the replacement procedure when the filter is in the glove compartment:
- We remove all the contents from the glove box.
- We remove the limiter, which is located on the right side.
- To remove the clamps, lower the glove box down and squeeze its walls.
- We are filming old filter and install the new one in reverse order.
The filter shows an arrow with the inscription UP, which means that the filter must be placed with the arrow pointing upwards.
And remember: filter repair is impossible, blowing and washing will not bring any benefit, only replacement is necessary.
Open the glove compartment to remove the old filter We take out the used filter Correct position how to insert a cabin filter
Consequences of using a used filter or its absence
The cabin filter is installed on almost all brands of cars, it traps dust and soot, preventing dirty air from entering the cabin. If the driver is allergic, a cabin filter is required so that the air in the car is free of harmful impurities.
In all cars, and especially with climate control, the filter must always be in good condition. If it is clogged or completely absent, then after a short period of time cleaning in a car service will be required, and this will cost much more.
Another critical moment in the absence or malfunction of the filter is when the evaporator radiator freezes over. The frozen dust will thaw over time and create an ideal habitat for bacteria and viruses.
And if dust got into the air conditioner or stove, it will be necessary to completely dismantle the evaporator at the service station, which again will hit the car owner's pocket.
Any vehicle consists of many components, and one part of the units is ready to actively function for more than one year, while other elements of the device have to be changed regularly to ensure the overall performance of the car. For example, a device such as a cabin filter is designed to clean the air that enters the car interior through. Many motorists do not know how often to change the cabin filter in a car, although experts service centers consider the replacement of this type of element as an integral part of any technical work. Equipped, for example, with a coal device, a car “protects” the driver and passengers from unpleasant odors from the street. Therefore, the unit, which absorbs dust and dirt, must be changed regularly. Consider the reasons and frequency of replacement cabin filters in auto.
Cabin filter replacement frequency
How often to change the cabin filter, you need to pay attention to the "habitat" environment vehicle in addition, the frequency of changing the consumable is affected by such a property as the manufacturer. Virtually most foreign automakers recommend changing this important component of the cleaning system after the car has "passed" the next 20-25 thousand km. It is worth noting that each motorist can learn more accurate frequency limits, allowing you to find out how much to change the cabin filter, from the manual for using your vehicle. True, in those cars that operate in a large metropolis, the unit should be replaced every 10 thousand km.
Reasons for changing fixture
If he cannot change the cabin filter and, most importantly, does not see the need to replace a component of the purification system, he should learn about the benefits that this manipulation provides.
Firstly, those interested in the need to replace this consumable should know that after work, the air flow through the stove will increase. Secondly, a new component of the cleaning system allows several times to reduce the ingress of unpleasant odors into the interior of the vehicle. Thirdly, the replaced salon unit of the air conditioner in hot weather and stoves in the cold season.
In addition to all of the above, a motorist who does not know why to change the cabin filter in a car and is not interested in the state of this element of the cleaning complex exposes his car to a significant risk. For example, in cars with climate control, the use of an obsolete element threatens with serious repairs. Due to a faulty unit, the condition worsens air system, often motorists are faced with freezing of the evaporator radiator. All this provokes a favorable environment for the development of microbes, at the same time, a disgusting smell appears in the cabin, which even an expensive air freshener cannot hide.
The cleaning device should be changed in cases where moisture is retained inside the car and the windows often fog up.
The car is a real pantry of filters, and we are not talking about the trunk of a thrifty driver at all. The normal functioning of a mechanical creation is difficult or impossible if the air, oil, fuel and, finally, the cleaning element in the automatic transmission has become unusable. At least they are not forgotten and changed regularly. But there is a filter, often forgotten. He is busy cleaning the air entering the cabin and is by no means the least important for the quality of life.
Where is the cabin filter
Often it can be found in the "glove box" area - it stands behind it or under it, as, for example, in Renault Logan. In some cars, the cleaning element is located under the hood. The paradox is that many of the motorists we interviewed are not even aware of the location of the cleaning element - the question confuses them. What can we say about observing the frequency of its replacement on a used "chariot"? If there are problems with finding the habitat of the filter, then the manual (operation and maintenance manual) will accurately tell you or help on thematic forums.
The purpose of the cabin filter
The task of this element is to purify the air entering the car, which “on the way” is often a mixture that is frankly dangerous to health. The surface layer in big cities is saturated exhaust gases, industrial emissions and other substances. For example, the content of nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde and benzapyrene is increased in the air of the capital. At motorways, the concentration of any rubbish is significantly exceeded, and motorists “floating” in the “chemical ocean” get especially hard. Standing in many hours of summer traffic jams in complete calm or, God forbid, in tunnels that turn into gas chambers, and there is nothing to say.
We hope you have already understood that you should not look at the cabin filter carelessly and through your fingers - it allows you to maintain health to one degree or another by holding soot particles, sand and dust, and in the case of more “advanced” elements, which will be discussed below, harmful substances and allergens.
The symptoms of a cabin filter failure are obvious and well-marked. Firstly, the glasses will fog up more often from the inside. Secondly, when moving, the salon will begin to attack unpleasant odors. Finally, thirdly, when the ventilation is turned on, dust will be noticeable.
Residents of big cities who forget to change the filter experience the above symptoms much more often than motorists who mostly spend time outside metropolitan areas. They also have a chance to get acquainted with other much more disturbing manifestations, starting with a headache and ending with the risk of serious diseases.
Kinds and types of filters
Cabin guards are divided into two main groups - conventional anti-dust (paper) and coal. The first uses paper or synthetic fiber as a filter element, which can be electrified to attract suspended matter. Before fine particles are filtered out, there is a pre-cleaning layer. Elements of this type they are able to capture dust, soot and plant pollen, which causes a lot of inconvenience to allergy sufferers, but they cannot cope with toxic substances. They are usually the cheapest.
Conventional dust (paper) filter and carbon filter
As for carbon filters, their device is more complicated and aimed at more high efficiency. First, harmful substances enter the pre-filter layer, then the fine particles section, and finally, they are captured by porous activated carbon granules, which are not found in conventional paper filters. Here, for example, what kind of arsenal does one of the cheapest models have RAF Filter, according to the manufacturer: antibacterial and antifungal coating, activated carbon with sodium bicarbonate and a layer that traps most known allergens. A true air purification system! Such multilayer elements have disadvantages and this is by no means the price - carbon filters work fully until the coal part, intended for fine cleaning, performs its absorbent functions. Experts say that deterioration may happen earlier than expected.
How to replace the cabin filter
Changing the filter yourself is usually quite simple, but there are nuances. So, on some cars, the procedure takes place once or twice, while other models require more labor. It all depends on how easy access to the cleaning system is. Let's say on Nissan Almera Classic, the process takes a few minutes - you need to remove the glove box (glove compartment), behind which is a removable cabin filter cover. Special tool not required to complete the job.
However, on some machines it is more difficult to get to the place of deployment and it is possible to install the element not tight enough or crooked. In addition, there is a possibility of breaking something during the installation process - such cases are known. In this regard, our advice to you: before exciting actions, do not hesitate to look into the manual and traditionally learn from it useful information or seek help from experienced comrades.
Replacement frequency
The regularity of updating the filter element is regulated by the manufacturer, but one thing is the factory interval and “a little” different is the actual operating conditions. We advise you to carry out periodic inspection and change if necessary, because the condition of the filter depends on the environment of the car. In large cities, the purifier is under a lot of stress, its unscheduled inspection is sometimes necessary and sometimes it has to be changed more often. The same applies to filters in cars that drive on dirt and sandy roads.
If you do not operate with factory recommendations, then the advice on the frequency is different - from replacing every 10-15 thousand kilometers to updating, based on the actual state, which can sometimes surprise. In advanced cases, the removed filter is scary to hold in your hands: a clogged element not only stops working, but over time it turns into a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. Now imagine if it didn't exist at all!
Very strict requirements are imposed on automobile filters today, since this is the only way to keep their work in proper quality. One such requirement is timely replacement these elements, including the cabin filter, designed to clean the air in the car, because it is on its “clean” work that not only the comfort of staying in a car depends, but also the health of the passengers and driver in it. So, how often should you change the cabin air filter in your car?
The principle of operation of the cabin filter.
To begin with, let's figure out how air is cleaned thanks to this filter. Like the action of a gas mask, the cabin filter, using activated carbon in the filter element, cleans the air that enters the car from the street (and this is not only dust and dirt, but also exhaust gases and other “charms” of roads).
It should be noted that the resource of activated carbon is limited due to its limited absorbing capacity. Hence, untimely replacement cabin filter will lead to poor-quality air purification (only the delay of mechanical impurities will remain).
In addition, due to the fact that the cabin filter is also endowed with the function of protecting the air conditioner evaporator - small radiator located in the place of the heater radiator - from clogging it with debris, in case of refusal to replace it or the delay in this action, the latter (evaporator) will also cease to cope with its duties qualitatively, which is why it is so important to change the cabin filter when it is recommended by the manufacturer of your car.
At the same time, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the cabin filters of those cars that make most of their mileage in major cities, clog much faster than suggested by the instruction manual. Therefore, the replacement of such a filter should be carried out as it becomes dirty, and this, as a rule, is much more often than prescribed.
How to determine if the cabin filter is dirty?
According to the following indications:
- misted glass in wet weather does not dry out;
- practically no air enters the cabin, despite maximum speed stove fan on;
- characteristic "dirty" smell in the cabin.
If you don’t observe such moments in your car, moreover, you are an infrequent “guest” on the road, and you use the car only in rare cases, you can also deviate from the rules, but in the other direction - replace the filter later.
Cabin filter replacement period.
Manufacturers recommend that the average car enthusiast replace the cabin filter once every ten thousand kilometers along with an oil change. However, if in the question “how often should the cabin filter be changed?” you still have doubts, it would be better to ask for qualified help to specialists, entrusting them with the purity of the air in the cabin of your car.
Video.
Clean air in a car is necessary not only for the people present in it to breathe easier. depends on the condition of the cabin filter. correct work stoves, air conditioning, ventilation systems in general. Replacing the cabin filter becomes necessary when the windows fog up in the car, an unpleasant smell appears and the air conditioner or stove starts to work poorly. With climate control, a filter clogged with dust and dirt particles can cause serious repairs.
For those who are still wondering why or why a cabin filter is needed in a car, this article has been written, in which we will analyze all the nuances. You will learn why you need to clean the air entering the car interior, what you need to install a filter element, what filters are, and much more.
How to replace the cabin filter
If you do not know how to change the cabin filter, it is better to contact a specialist - the procedure is affordable. For those who do not know how often it is necessary to change the cabin filter in a car, let us remind you - every 25 thousand km, but with heavy traffic in the city, you will have to change the filter more often - every 10 thousand km. As a rule, the cabin filter is changed along with the oil change - this combination allows you to reduce the time spent repair work and meet reasonable deadlines.
To remove the cabin filter in some car models, it may be necessary to disassemble the dashboard - in this case, some tools will be required. In most cases, a wrench and a screwdriver will suffice to remove the cabin air filter. Changing the cabin filter is much easier than for example. The dimensions of the filter must match the model of your car. The replaced filter cannot be used in other cars - it has already worked out its own and must be disposed of. In its place, you need to install a new one, suitable for the model of your car and meeting the requirements of its operation.
What are the signs that it's time to change the cabin filter?
Many do not know when to change the cabin filter, but it is not difficult to understand. There are several signs that the cabin filter needs to be replaced:
1. The appearance of an unpleasant odor in the car.
2. high humidity in the cabin and fogging windows also makes it clear that it is time to change the cabin filter.
3. A poorly functioning stove and air conditioner indicate a component failure.
These signs do not always mean that the cabin filter, especially the last item. If the stove does not work well and the car does not warm up in winter, then most likely.
Even if you do not observe these signs, but often drive around the city and stand in traffic jams, you should take care to replace the filter every 10 thousand kilometers - this way you will eliminate the possibility of its complete clogging and improve the working conditions of the car's air system.
Since the cabin filter affects the microclimate in the car, not only the health of the air system, but also the well-being of the people in it depends on it, and its replacement should be taken responsibly. clogged filter will not be able to provide sufficient airflow and may cause more serious malfunctions. When the filter does not clean the air, it is time to replace it. At the same time, you can also change the type of filter used - the adsorption one copes with its functions much better than the usual mechanical one, but the price for it will be higher.
How often to change the cabin filter
The car owner's manual tells you how often to change the cabin air filter. However, these figures are very generalized - 25 thousand km. With frequent trips around the city, during the time spent in traffic jams, the old cleaner quickly clogs and needs to be replaced every 10 thousand km. If you rarely leave, then the cabin filter should not be changed so often. In summer, replacements are more frequent, as there are more large particles in the air, such as fluff and insects. In autumn, if possible, it is worth looking into the filter cassette, as it can be clogged with dry leaves. After water enters there, the process of decay will begin, which will cause the appearance of unpleasant odors. There are no other special recommendations regarding the replacement period or the frequency of replacing the cabin filter.
By following these simple recommendations, you can significantly extend the life of your car. Since the filter replacement procedure is not complicated, you can try to do it yourself. In this case, you may need to carefully remove the case and dashboard. If you are not sure that you can do it yourself, it is better to turn to specialists. Replacing the cabin filter is not expensive, but there will be confidence that everything is done correctly and will function normally.
Varieties of cabin filters
Lack of air can lead to serious damage air conditioning systems - that's what will happen if you do not change the cabin filter in the car. Also, the old filter is cleaned if unpleasant odors appear in the car interior - they are caused by bacteria that can multiply in a humid environment. This can significantly worsen the health of the driver, which will lead to a decrease in concentration while driving.
Cabin filter prices vary. low price will not necessarily indicate the same quality. There are many analog consumables that are not inferior in quality to the originals. Among the analogues are inexpensive Chinese filters excellent quality, especially since the service life of the filter does not depend on its manufacturer. Before buying accessories, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with their varieties.
The elements of the cleaning system are different, which is why the filters are divided into two categories:
- adsorption;
- mechanical.
Let's consider their features in more detail.
Adsorption filters
Adsorption filters contain activated carbon, which not only helps to clean the air of microscopic dust particles, but also absorbs excess moisture, and also eliminates unpleasant odors that have arisen during the operation of the old filter. The operating instructions for your car indicate how many kilometers to change the cabin filter, but experts recommend that when driving in the urban cycle, this procedure every 10 thousand km.
The main feature of the carbon filter is its ability to neutralize odors and harmful impurities. Coal is an excellent adsorbent for substances belonging to the benzene and phenol groups. These substances are the most dangerous for humans. Carbon filters do well with sulfur and nitrogen oxides, which also has a positive effect on the health of people in the car. Coconut charcoal is rightfully recognized as the best - when choosing a cabin filter, pay attention to this.
Mechanical filters
For filters this device lower price due to the use of simple components in them. The fibers of the mechanical filter do a good job of cleaning air flow from large particles such as leaves and insects, and also trap small particles of dust and dirt, preventing them from entering the car's air system. Such basic version filtration is suitable for any car, but it has its drawbacks - unlike carbon filters, mechanical filters do not eliminate unpleasant odors and are unable to neutralize harmful substances.
Regardless of the brand of car, it will have an air system that requires cleaning of the air that enters it from the street. Before replacement air filter interior, you should read the instructions for your car - it contains the necessary information about its location. The point is that in different models auto, the location of the cleaner may differ - in order not to guess where the cabin filter is located, you should immediately refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Typically, the cabin air filter is located under or behind the glove box. But in some models it is not so easy to get close to it. For example, if the filter is located behind the dashboard or under the hood. In some cars, it is located under the pedal - this work should be entrusted to the master.
Replaced cabin filter will not worry about smooth operation air system of the car, especially if it has a climate control system. A dirty filter can cause the evaporator radiator to freeze up. After thawing the formed dirt, a persistent unpleasant odor will appear, which will be very difficult to get rid of, and moreover, expensive repairs may be required. climate system in a service center.
