As a layman, we are not able to differentiate between a cabin air filter and an engine air filter, because they both fulfill the task of purifying the air. But, if we look closely, there is a factor that differentiates a cabin filter from an air filter. The air filters are present inside a sealed box, and the primary purpose of this is to purify the air entering the engine. In contrast, the cabin filter afterward purifies the air coming into the cabin. They are both air filters but are used for different purposes.
Air filter is usually in the engine compartment. The induction air passes through it going to the engine intake and combustion chambers. The cabin filter is kind of like a house furnace filter; yet the furnace filter protects your furnace and a cabin filter protect some contaminants from entering the HVAC duct work and eventually entering the driver compartment. The cabin air filter is specifically for filtering the air inside the passenger compartment. The “air filter” is specifically for the intake air for the engine. The reason for the distinction is that once upon a time there was only one air filter and it was for the engine air. It wasn’t until the late 1990s the cars started getting cabin air filters. And even then, most cars did not have it although now it’s pretty commonplace.
Difference Between Cabin Air Filter and Engine Air Filter
Firstly, they have different positions.
When the front hood of the vehicle is opened, a screwdriver needs to be used to open the fixing screw on the right side of the engine on the air filter box, then the air filter can be seen. As opposed to that, the storage box of the co-pilot of the vehicle has the baffle that needs to be removed to find the cabin air filter.
- Secondly, they involve different functions.
The engine air filter filters the air going into the engine for combustion. The cabin air filter filters the going into the cabin, either from the outside or within the passenger cabin itself. - Thirdly, they have different replacement cycles.
The air filter should be replaced every 15,000 kilometres. If it is a vehicle that often works in harsh environments, it should be replaced no more than 10,000 kilometres. In the case of the cabin air filter, it is generally when the car is driving 8000-10000 kilometres.
Does changing a cabin air filter make a difference?
Of course. If it gets plugged up, you will have no heat and no air con. Just think about that! If a Toyota filter, for example, gets plugged up. On a real hot day, the air conditioner would stop pumping air. Only when the filter is taken out will the air conditioner work again. Of course, you need a filter to keep the dust and debris out of the car.
The Importance Of Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter
It’s not that important to do yearly, at least, if your airflow is fine and you don’t have a funky smell in the system. A lot of older (pre-2000 cars) don’t have them.
The main purpose of a cabin air filter
Its purpose is the same as the engine air filter but for the cabin and the passenger’s benefit, to prevent larger particles and airborne dirt from getting into the car’s HVAC system. It should be changed on a regular basis since items like leaves and other junk can accumulate on it and hold moisture and lead to moldy or a musty smell in the cabin.
Do all cars have cabin air filters?
This is a simple answer. No, not all cars have cabin air filters. Most newer cars do have them, as a selling point that it’s your interior cleaner. However, some new cars don’t have them.
As to how they filter the air without a cabin air filter? They don’t. At best they have a screen over the fresh air intake to keep the big stuff from getting into your blower fan. Most cabin air filters are just an air filter placed right above the blower fan under the dash. They do help keep dust and dirt from blowing out of your vents but in all reality the fresh air intake for your blower is normally by the windshield cowl so it’s not like dust and dirt is getting forced into the cab and a lot of it settles down before getting to your blower fan.
In conclusion
although cabin air filters are very nice to have and should be changed regularly, if you don’t have one it’s not the end of world. Your air coming into the cab will have a little more dust but that’s all.
Frequently Asked Questions
1)Where do you find the cabin air filter?
Usually beneath the dash or behind the glovebox.
2)What should I get to replace my cabin air filter and engine air filter?
A new filter designed for that vehicle and purpose. Use only a premium type. The life of your engine depends on air and oil filters.
3)Are all cabin air filters the same?
All cabin air filters are made in different sizes and shapes, and different thickness too. You have to know exactly what make, model and year of the car or truck before going to Auto Zone or any auto parts store to buy the correct air filter to fit perfectly.
