During the hot summer months, contaminants, such as pollen, dust,
mold spores and smog, can easily enter a vehicle's passenger compartment
through the air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, making
the air in the car six times dirtier than the air outside, cautions
the Car Care Council.
Motorists can protect themselves and their passengers from these
containments by replacing the vehicle's cabin air filter annually
or more often in areas with heavy containments, or whenever heating
or cooling efficiency is reduced. Cabin air filters clean the incoming
air and remove allergens - especially beneficial to people who suffer
from allergies.
If your vehicle is model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance
it is equipped with a cabin air filter.
"There are about 30 million vehicles in North America that currently
have cabin air filters," said Rich White, executive director
of the Car Care Council. "However, most people have never heard
of a cabin air filter or don't know if their vehicle is equipped with
one. Vehicle owners should refer to their owners' manuals for this
information."
If the cabin air filter is not replaced, it can cause musty odors
in the vehicle, and over time, the heater and air conditioner may
become damaged by corrosion. A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can
also cause containments to become so concentrated in the cabin that
passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding
in the car compared to walking down the street.
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