Living in Humboldt County, we are blessed to consistently have fresh, clean air to breathe. We enjoy the moist air from the marine layer provided by the Pacific Ocean and Humboldt Bay. We are surrounded with majestic Redwood trees and acres of green farm land that provide a natural air filter and freshener. And, we have the benefit of gentle creeks and rolling rivers that keep everything green, peaceful and luscious.
Ok, ok, so that was a lot of adjectives in one paragraph, but for those of us lucky enough to live in Humboldt, we get it! The air outside is fresh and clean but what about the air inside your vehicle?
As you drive down highway 101 you are bound to find yourself behind a semi-truck at some point. Or maybe you get stuck behind an RV on highway 299 that just refuses to use the turn outs. Ugh!
Regardless of the road you travel, you know what it’s like to breathe in some of those gnarly exhaust fumes, dust and toxic particles.
Thankfully, cabin air filters are now standard on most new vehicles. These filters clean the air before it enters the passenger compartment, providing cleaner air to breathe while you are driving.
When I was a kid we just rolled down all four windows and begged mom to drive faster!
Cabin Air Filters trap particles, including pollen and most pollutants before they are able to enter the vehicle. If you suffer from allergies, this is very good news!
Depending on the vehicle, some cabin air filters are quite accessible while others take “some doing” to get to them. They are typically located in the engine compartment or under the dashboard.
If your vehicle is equipped with an actual cabin air filter, (and not 4 kids in the back seat yelling “Drive faster mom!”), we recommend replacing it when it gets dirty. If you live in an area with a lot of dust, pollen or pollution, you may need to change it more often. Your Service Advisors at Eureka Brake & Automotive can keep you up to date and advise you when your filter is due to be changed.
3 Easy Tips That Your Cabin Air Filter Might Be Dirty
- You experience and unpleasant, musty odor in the vehicle that is not your son’s athletic shoes.
- The vehicle is due by mileage according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- The filter is noticeably dirty when visually inspected by a trained automotive technician.
*An Important Note for CA Hybrid Owners: There is a special air filter for the air that cools the hybrid pack. This filter should be inspected every time the cabin air filter is inspected and replaced if it is dirty to prevent the battery pack from overheating.
If you have any questions about your Cabin Air Filter give us a call at 707-443-2122
Lacee Cunningham