It is necessary to keep your vehicle clean from dirt and dust for maintaining basic hygiene. However, in the current times, it has become crucial to take care of the cleanliness of your car as much as is possible, especially the air ducts, filters, and evaporators. The COVID pandemic has pushed the world to take extra precautions and care at every step. Whether it is personal hygiene, at home, or the vehicle, more than a good practice, having a car that is dust and dirt-free has become the need of the hour.
What is Cabin Air Filter?
The cabin air filter is a part of most modern vehicles that cleans the air entering the interior of the vehicle through heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system. The filter traps dust, pollen, and other such airborne material that can pollute the inside of the car and can be a major concern if a person has dust or pollen allergies or is suffering from any respiratory problems.
As the filter catches dust and dirt particles, cleaning it at regular intervals is quite necessary. Having a cleaned filter not only keeps your car clean but also keeps you safeguarded from several viruses and other such elements that can make you sick.
When to Replace Cabin Air Filter?
The interval of replacing your vehicle’s cabin air filter depends on the manufacturer. It usually varies between 19,300-24,1400 kilometers, but can be replaced even after driving longer, depending on what kind of environment you are driving. Driving in a sandy, or dusty terrain will definitely need a replacement much before when you drive in a suburban region.
Signs to Know the Air Filter Needs Replacement
Some of the noticeable signs include reduction of airflow through the vehicle’s climate control system, bad odor in the interior, and an unusually high-pitched noise from the fans.
However, in several cases, any of these signs might not show up. Hence, it is always a good idea to get your air filter checked at regular intervals.
You can do a basic cleaning by yourself. Most of the cabin air filters are installed behind the glove box while some are under the dashboard or the hood. You can refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to locate and clean it.
If the cleaning does not change the situation inside your car, it would be preferable to bring your vehicle to the dealership and get it deep-cleaned or replaced, as per the requirement. One easy way to determine whether the cabin air filter needs to be replaced or not is, having a visual inspection of it; if it is clogged with, dust, dirt, and other particles such as twigs, leaves, or small insects, it is high time you get it replaced.
What is Air Conditioning Evaporator?
A vehicle’s AC system consists of several elements, primarily compressor, condenser, receiver dryer, evaporator, and hoses. The AC Evaporator is the component that produces and maintains the flow of cold air inside the car.
How AC Evaporator Works?
The AC system consists of a gas or liquid substance called refrigerant that flows through the system. The cold refrigerant flows through the evaporator while the AC blower motor blows air across the evaporator that absorbs all the coldness from the refrigerant and produces the cold air that eventually enters the interior.
Reasons for AC Evaporator Failure
The AC Evaporator might have a blockage that can affect the circulation of air or there might also be a refrigerant leak. Over time, the evaporator seals and tubes can wear and tear causing leakage. These seals and tubes cannot be replaced. Hence, replacing the entire Evaporator unit is the only option under such circumstances
Signs Indicating the AC Evaporator Needs Replacement
Some of the common signs that might indicate a need to replace the AC Evaporator are:
- Air conditioning is not as cold as it should be.
- Air conditioner is blowing warm/hot air.
- Air conditioning is not working.
- Reduced amount of airflow through the AC vent.
If you notice any of these signs, do not delay bringing your vehicle to the dealership for a thorough inspection, as ignoring it can lead to serious hazards.
Why Replacing AC Evaporator at Right Interval is Crucial?
The air conditioning system not only provides comfort inside the car but also adds value to your beloved vehicle. While driving, the driver needs to be alert and conscious of his/her surroundings. The abnormal temperature inside the car due to the failure of the AC Evaporator makes the driver prone to distractions, making them uneasy and can cause accidents.
Tough times call for tough measures. The world is going through a difficult phase, and to ensure that you keep your family and loved ones safe, including yourself, it is of utmost importance to take as many measures as you can. And keeping your vehicle’s cabin air filter and AC Evaporator is a must-to-do in the current scenario.
