Replacing your cabin filter should be a regular part of maintaining your vehicle. Find out how frequently it should be changed out and why you should even do it in the first place. You’ll also learn about the tell-tale signs for when you’re due for a new one.
When it comes to maintaining your trailer, changing the cabin air filter might not be on your list of priorities. You might not even know that it’s there. Most of the time, it doesn’t get as much attention as the engine and oil filters.
So what is a cabin air filter anyway? Well, its primary purpose is to keep the air inside your trailer clean. It filters out the pollutants that go through your trailer’s HVAC system. These could be anything from pollen to mold spores.
We’ll be the first to admit that air quality is not something that we constantly think about. Little did we know that this vital part has been saving us from having allergy flare-ups and costly HVAC repairs. There are a couple of things that you might be forgetting. Trailer brake controllers might be one of them too.
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How Do You Know If Your Cabin Air Filter Is Bad?
A lot of people wonder how often to change the cabin air filter. You should be replacing it every 12,000 miles or so. Otherwise, it should be pretty obvious when a replacement is due. When it becomes loaded with debris like dust and leaves, the incoming airflow will feel weak. Your AC system will not work as well as it used to.
You should also pay attention to how the inside of your trailer smells. If there’s a musty smell coming out of the interior vents, then you know that it has gotten way too dirty. Since you’re going to be in your trailer a lot, you should make the experience as pleasant and safe as possible.
Cabin Air Filter Cost
Cabin air filters usually don’t cost more than $25. That’s a small price to pay for good air quality inside your vehicle. If you can’t install one yourself, labor fees might cost you up to $50. That’s still not bad considering how much you’ll get to save in repair and medical expenses.
Cabin Filter vs Air Filter
Is there even a difference between the two? Absolutely. Your regular air filter deals with the air that flows to your engine. The cabin air filter’s purpose is to clean the air that flows out through the cockpit. In other words, it filters the air that you breathe.
The regular one not only keeps contaminants from ruining your engine, but it also ups your gas mileage and horsepower. In reality, there shouldn’t be such a thing as engine air filter vs cabin air filter. These two are separate, and both are essential in maintaining a well-functioning trailer.
How to Replace Cabin Air Filter
Replacing your cabin filter isn’t difficult and it usually just requires a Philips or flat-head screwdriver. All you have to do is take off the glove box or the kick panel. Then unscrew the cover. Carefully slide out the old cabin filter, and chuck it out.
For good measure, you may want to vacuum the spot where the old one was. This is to take out the remaining pollutants that it wasn’t able to filter out. Next, install the new one. Make sure the orientation is correct to allow for proper airflow. This is usually indicated by an arrow.
Then put everything back the way they were. You should be covered for the next 12 months or so. Enjoy driving in clean and cool air, and don’t forget to replace it again eventually.
The Benefits of Regularly Replacing Your Cabin Filter
1. Boosts Defroster Performance and Prevents Condensation on the Inside Windows
Driving in your trailer during the winter can be a pain. Condensation on the windows makes it harder to see out of the windshield. How does this happen?
The cabin filter usually catches some amount of water. When it gets wet, this comprises the defroster’s ability to blow out warm air. A newer one should have no problems letting the defroster do its thing.
We’re sure we don’t have to warn you about driving in low visibility conditions. That’s just an accident waiting to happen. Road safety should always be at the forefront of your mind, and well-functioning defroster will keep you from being an unfortunate statistic.
2. Keeps the AC System in Tiptop Shape
Driving in the summer with a busted AC system is hell on earth. On top of the discomfort, AC system repairs can cost you a pretty penny if you let the damage keep worsening. As a cheap preventive measure, replace your cabin filter!
A combination of moisture and debris can damage the electrical parts of your AC system. The airflow becomes restricted because of the accumulation of dirt, causing the motor to work overtime. When it works more than it should, it’s more likely to overheat and stop working altogether.
3. Improves Air Quality
Spring can be brutal for those with allergies. With a clogged cabin filter, you shouldn’t wonder why you’re sneezing all the way to your next destination. There’s nothing that’s stopping pollen, leaves, and dust from entering your trailer. To get a fresh and clean lungful of air every time, keep harmful elements out of your vehicle with a new cabin filter.
Conclusion
As you can tell, cabin filters do a lot when it comes to your comfort and safety on the road. Keeping your rig in good condition is a no-brainer. Need to ask us something about cabin filters? Share your thoughts below and let’s get a conversation going.