On most models of modern cars, this is a routine procedure necessary to ensure the normal operation of the heating and ventilation system.
- When operating equipment in large cities or industrial centers with an atmosphere saturated with internal emissions.
- In regions where the air is heavily polluted due to natural factors - sandstorms or volcanic activity.
- In areas with increased humidity, favorable for the formation of pathogenic bacteria.
In all these cases, it is necessary, if not to completely eliminate the possibility of contaminants entering the cabin, then at least significantly reduce their number.
Why is a replacement needed?
Particles of substances harmful to health, harmful microorganisms and even ordinary dust cause harm not only when they enter the respiratory organs directly. There are other factors to consider:
To avoid the described problems, you should regularly replace an inexpensive part.
Cabin filter replacement. Video:
What are cabin filters and what to look for when choosing?
Car designers have developed and tested various air purification systems, differing in size and principle of operation. To date, the most widely used devices in the form of disposable replaceable cartridges. They are of two types:
Charcoal filters not only purify the air from solid particles. They absorb harmful substances and eliminate unpleasant odors. The resource of parts, regardless of their features, is limited. They need to be replaced in a timely manner.
The type of cartridge should be chosen taking into account the conditions in which the car is operated. In regions with high humidity, a high probability of harmful chemical emissions into the atmosphere, it makes sense to give preference to carbon filters. In other cases, paper replacement elements will suffice.
The characteristics of the cartridge are affected by the length of the filter petals and the density of the material from which they are made. Longer and denser petals clean the air better and last longer. But the speed of air passing through them decreases, which affects the efficiency of the ventilation system.
Important! Please note that the final choice of material and cartridge design may be affected by allergic diseases.
When buying a new part, pay attention to its dimensions, which must exactly match the established ones. Otherwise, the filter simply will not fit into place or will pass dirty air through gaps and leaks.
How do you know when it's time to change?
The terms for replacing cartridges are specified in the vehicle's operating instructions. Usually it is 10 - 15 thousand km.
However, often the need to install a new filter element arises earlier. On expensive models of cars, filter dust sensors are sometimes installed. Simpler equipment owners will have to focus on the signs by which you can determine that it is time to carry out the necessary maintenance. Among these signs:
In some cases, the need to replace the cabin filter arises due to the ingress of moisture on it.
The most common cause is clogging of channels designed to drain water from air intake points into the ventilation system.
This can be avoided by regularly cleaning the drains from the debris that has fallen into them. Most often, these are dry leaves that have fallen from trees.
Replacing the cabin filter on Priore without air conditioning. Video:
Where is the cabin filter located?
Of course, I would like to have free access to the location of the cabin filter. However, developers place the part in a variety of, and not always convenient, places. Well, if it is located in the engine bay. Then, in most cases, you can get to it without any problems.
But sometimes the layout of the heating and ventilation system is such that the filter is placed inside the cabin, under the instrument panel. In this case, access to it can be difficult, and for replacement it is necessary to partially disassemble the instrument panel.
It is optimal if the cartridge is located in a place where air enters the ventilation ducts. But sometimes developers neglect this rule, sacrificing the effectiveness of the cleaning system for the sake of solving other problems.
Depending on the car model, not one replacement cartridge may be installed, but two or more. Determine exactly where is the cabin filter on your machine, you can by reading the technical documentation for its maintenance.
How to replace the cabin filter?
The easiest way to do this is to visit a service station and entrust the work to professionals. This will avoid unnecessary problems. But if for some reason it is not possible to do this, you can solve the problem yourself.
You will have to stock up in advance with plastic clips that fasten many body parts. It is not always possible to ensure their safety during disassembly, even for specialists who know well how to change cabin filter.
There is nothing wrong with removing the old cartridge and damaging it. But the new part has to be inserted very carefully. With this, due to the limited space of the passenger compartment and inconvenient access to the installation site, difficulties often arise. People who have solid dimensions or are not dexterous enough, such work may not be up to the task.
Don't make mistakes
Some car owners do not see a special need for air purification and simply remove the cartridge. It is a bad idea. Even if a person does not value his health, he should think about the fact that dirt that has got inside the air ducts will cause damage to the components of the ventilation system, the repair of which can be difficult and expensive.
Much cheaper and easier to perform the necessary maintenance and enjoy clean air in your car. Knowing how to change cabin filter, It is not so difficult.
