SUV HVAC filters...EEEWW!

[LVSteve]

Checked the cabin air filter (if fitted) on your vehicle lately? You probably should, especially if you live out West

Pulled these filters out of my SUV today. Only been in there since 28 May. A summer of Vegas dust with California fire smoke sure gums up the works. Quick test after fitting the new filters revealed a noticeable increase in flow.

 

[BaldEagle1313]

First thing car-related I did after I got back from California in July was get a new cabin air filter. I got through Yreka the day before they closed the freeway due to the Carr fire. That one lasted a whole month since my next trip was through the Idaho mountains, rolling past three firefighter staging areas on HWY 95 between Boise and Coeur d'Alene. $25 total for the two of them. Money well spent.

 

[billwill]

You will be amazed at the nasty stuff in the cabin filter, especially in earlier cars

 

[mtgianni]

One of the things that bugs me is furnace filters run $10 for a decent one and car cabin filters run $45. They still get changed it just rubs me wrong .

 

[meaneyedcatz]

When changing your cabin air filter spray an entire can of Lysol (choose your scent) into the opening with the a/c on and the blower on high.

Best $3 spent

 

[BaldEagle1313]

Don't forget your engine air filter. If your cabin filter is that dirty it's a fairly safe bet the engine air filter is no better. Engines don't like restricted breathing either.

 

[LVSteve]

Don't forget your enigine air filter. If your cabin filter is that dirty it's a fairly safe bet the engine air filter is no better. Engines don't like restricted breathing either.

Good thought. I did replace it earlier this year, but I may need to again.

 

[DWalt]

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger. Rangers do not have cabin air filters. Not sure why some vehicles have them and some do not. Implies to me that they are not necessary. My son's '08 Lexus has one, he replaced it last week for the first time, accessed through the glove box..

 

[Steve912]

I have a 2003 Ford Ranger. Rangers do not have cabin air filters. Not sure why some vehicles have them and some do not. Implies to me that they are not necessary. My son's '08 Lexus has one, he replaced it last week for the first time, accessed through the glove box..

When you see how much vegetative material collects on one
(the OP's filter looks pretty clean, compared to what shows on
mine after a year), vice embedding on the AC condenser, you'll
appreciate the utility of em.

 

[Steve912]

One of the things that bugs me is furnace filters run $10 for a decent one and car cabin filters run $45. They still get changed it just rubs me wrong .

That's the dealership "gouge'em while you can, they won't be back for a while" mark-up.

I've been using standard home air handler filters for years. Pull
your filter, measure, and cut four or six from a 20x30 filter from
big box hardware joint with kitchen scissors. Use the gauze style
filters, not the worthless blue mesh type.

 

[chief38]

I'm 3,000 miles from CA and last week I washed the cars (both white) and then did some errands. I left it in a parking lot for a few hours, came out and saw what appeared black carbon residue on all the flat horizontal surfaces. That evening I saw on the news that the CA wild fire smoke and fall-out has actually reached as far as NY! So I guess it has affected any place the Jet Stream carries it!

I'd venture to say that the two most neglected maintenance items on vehicles are the Cabin Filters and Brake Fluid changes every few years.

 

[LVSteve]

When you see how much vegetative material collects on one
(the OP's filter looks pretty clean, compared to what shows on
mine after a year), vice embedding on the AC condenser, you'll
appreciate the utility of em.

You should see one when a rodent has been visiting. You may guess how I know.

 

[Steve912]

You should see one when a rodent has been visiting. You may guess how I know.

I had some wood rats set up on top of the cabin filter
in my Tacoma. They put a half gallon of acorns on one
side, and padded the other side of the filter with polyester
batting torn from the underside of the engine cover.

The engine compartment was used as restroom.

 

[milton6x]

You think cabin filters are high . New "high efficiency furnaces" require manufactures brand filters costing $100-$130 . Also require annual exsorbitantly priced inspection to keep the warranty in effect .

 

[ACORN]

One of the things that bugs me is furnace filters run $10 for a decent one and car cabin filters run $45. They still get changed it just rubs me wrong .

What car do you drive that has $45 cabin air filters? I sell the and never saw one that high.

 

[Whitwabit]

Change my filters at least once a year .. when I lived in OK City it was every 6 months .. more dusty conditions .. had a couple of dust storms when there ..

 

[DWalt]

"I'd venture to say that the two most neglected maintenance items on vehicles are the Cabin Filters and Brake Fluid changes every few years."

For my entire driving lifetime, I have never changed either one.

 

[Zipdog]

"I'd venture to say that the two most neglected maintenance items on vehicles are the Cabin Filters and Brake Fluid changes every few years."

For my entire driving lifetime, I have never changed either one.

Unless you disassemble the brake calipers changing the brake fluid won't do much for you. Sounds like a dealer recommendation to rip people off. Never mind I'm not a car dealer so I can't know anything.

 

[ACORN]

Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere and lowers the boiling of the fluid thereby reducing brake efficiency.

 

[milton6x]

You think cabin filters are high . New "high efficiency furnaces" require manufactures brand filters costing $100-$130 . Also require annual exsorbitantly priced inspection to keep the warranty in effect .

"plastic is for knobs"