If you don't change your cabin air filter, the filter will become clogged with dirt and debris, compromising the efficiency of your car's filter and HVAC system. This will reduce the volume of air in the passenger compartment, causing bad odors to appear inside your car. The most serious risk is the air quality, as it will inhale all pollutants thrown on the road by other vehicles, such as diesel fumes and burnt oil. Allergens can also enter and are not cleaned before driving around the cabin.
The cost of the filter depends on whether you need an electrostatic, carbon, or standard cabin air filter. This filter traps contaminants such as dust, engine fumes, dirt, twigs, leaves and debris in the air. When you remove that restriction by removing the cabin air filter, a host of problems can arise. A new cabin air filter will prevent pollen from entering the vehicle and cause its occupants to start sneezing, or even worse.
Changing the cabin air filter at regular intervals will ensure that passengers don't have to roll down windows in the middle of winter to get fresh air. Be careful not to break any of the clips or pins that hold it when accessing it. If the filter is too old, clogged, or damaged, particles get stuck or it can't filter the air properly. This can produce a dusty and damp odor when the HVAC system is turned on.
For particles with sizes of 520 nm, the filter efficiency among all cabin air filters was found to be 35 to 60%. A good rule of thumb is to replace your cabin air filter every February, before spring allergy season hits, especially if you live in an area with lots of trees. If you don't have a cabin air filter installed, your on-board computer will try to compensate for this by altering the power supplied to the fans, but this can reduce the life of your climate control system. If you are an installer, make sure your customer understands the most serious risks by refusing cabin air filter service.
