A Guide to Changing Your Car’s Air Filter This Spring

As winter cedes its icy grip on Rocktown, you’re starting to feel it whenever you drive: the familiar urge to roll down the window and let the spring breeze in. Let it happen; we’re eager to breathe in all the natural air we can after this long Harrisonburg winter – making the start of spring the perfect time to change your car’s air filter. 

As pollen, dust, and other allergens begin to accumulate at the start of spring, a constant cycle of fresh air is needed to help combat these airborne nuisances. Thankfully, the process of swapping out your cabin air filter is a relatively simple one. Courtesy of Steven Kia, here’s what you need to know.

What Does Your Air Filter Do? 

Cabin air filters bear the responsibility of purifying the air streaming into the cabin via your vehicle’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They eliminate dust, pollen, mold particles, and additional airborne debris, providing you with clean, revitalized air. Air filters enhance air purity, contributing to a more breathable, allergen-free driving environment. This makes regular filter changes a must if you suffer from allergies. Additionally, air filters help keep your HVAC components functioning while optimizing HVAC system performance. 

Having fresh, clean air in your cabin is essential to safe and healthy driving, and it’s your air filter’s job to maintain that constant airflow. If you’ve been breathing stale or acrid air while driving, these could be signs that a change is needed. Keep an eye on your windshield as well; if you’re find it fogging up easily in humidity, that could be another sign your filter needs replacing.

There are various options available when you choose to replace your cabin air filter. Different filter types include: 

Standard Air Filters: The most common type of cabin air filter. Provides basic filtration for dust, pollen, and other particles. Generally costs between $20-$25 dollars, though they can be even cheaper – such as this filter, compatible with the 2023 Kia Carnival.

Activated Carbon Filters: Excels at absorbing gases and other unpleasant odors. Recommended if you’re focusing on eliminating odors and trapping airborne pollutants. 

HEPA Filters: Or, “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filters. For advanced filtration, captures smaller particles and allergens. Recommended for those with bad allergies, sensitive respiratory conditions, or who just enjoy the highest level of air purity. 

How Do I Replace My Air Filter? 

Once you’ve selected your filter type, changing your cabin air filter is even simpler than you might expect! First, locate your air filter box, or filter housing. Doing so may require a screwdriver, but once open, the ensuing process takes just a moment.

Remove your old air filter deliberately, taking note of how it’s installed. Snap a picture with your phone if that helps you recall the configuration, because you’ll want to mimic it when inserting the new filter. Remove any stray dust and debris in the air filter housing that may have dislodged from the old filter.

Next, simply replicate the placement of the old filter with the new one. Close the air filter box securely, re-tightening its bolts if you had to unscrew them. Before you know it, your cabin will be flooded with fresh air once again.

Filter Happier 

If you’ve detected reduced airflow, unpleasant odors, or noises from your vents – or if your windshield is struggling to stay clear amidst humidity – these could be signs that your cabin air filter needs replacement. But as you now know, replacing your cabin air filter is a simple, affordable process.

If you encounter any other issues with your HVAC systems this spring, Steven Kia is the place to be. Our team of expert technicians will handle all your filtering needs, from air filters to oil and engine filters. Kick off spring cleaning season by purifying your car today with the help of Steven Kia.