Are you wondering if it is time to change your cabin air filter? According to most of the experts in the automotive industry, it is a good idea to change the air filter every 15,000 miles. Be sure to take a look at your owner's manual to see if there are different recommendations from the manufacturer. You may also want to consult the experts at Audi Stratham to see if you are replacing the cabin air filter often enough for the Manchester climate and your driving habits. Our team is happy to share the basics of cabin air filters, and if it is time for a replacement, you can set up an appointment at our service center.
What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?
The main purpose of a cabin air filter is to prevent contaminants like dirt, dust, and pollen from making their way into the cabin of your vehicle. The filter cleans the air that passes through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. When the filter begins to get clogged with debris, it can start affecting the air quality inside the cabin. You may notice a few signs that it is time to change the air filter.
Can I Tell When to Change a Cabin Air Filter?
Your driving habits could play a role in how often you will need to change your cabin air filter. If you do a lot of off-roading, drive in a dusty area, or encounter a lot of road construction on your drives through Concord, this task may need to be performed more often than every 15,000 miles. If you aren't sure how often to change cabin air filters, we have listed a few warning signs below:
- Reduced airflow when climate control systems are on
- Lingering unpleasant odors
- Increasing dust settling on vehicle surfaces
How To Change a Cabin Air Filter: Tips and Tricks
- Before you can begin this task, you will need to take a look at your owner's manual. It will tell you where the air filter is located for your particular make and model. The location will let you know how difficult this maintenance task might be.
- If the cabin air filter is behind the glove box or under the hood, you should have no trouble accessing it. However, there are some vehicles that were designed with the air filter under the dashboard. It can be much more of a challenge to reach an air filter in this location. If that is the case, it may be best to leave the replacement to a professional.
- To avoid any mess from the dirty air filter, it is recommended that you wear gloves and a mask when removing the old filter.
- Place the old filter in a garbage bag, and replace it with a genuine OEM part to ensure quality, durability, and fit.
How Much Does Changing a Cabin Air Filter Cost?
The cost of changing an air filter is usually quite affordable. Depending on the vehicle that you have, the cost typically ranges from $30 to $70. If you would like to save more on this routine maintenance service, be sure to look at our parts specials as well as our rotating service specials.
Keep Your Vehicle in Pristine Condition with Audi Stratham
When your vehicle is in need of routine maintenance or more significant repairs, you can trust the experts at Audi Stratham. Schedule an appointment at our state-of-the-art service center today. We want to help you get back on the roads of Portsmouth in no time. Contact us today with any questions.
The benefits and importance of air filters are often underestimated. A dirty filter allows polluting and allergen particles, as well as dust, sand and other debris, into the engine and cabin. Over time, they can result in engine damage and health complications.
Cabin and engine screens are simple to inspect and replace when needed. Some are even multi-use and can be washed. How often to change air filters in your vehicle depends on multiple factors.
The distance travelled, your vehicle’s specifications and the environmental conditions in which you drive all play a role in your filters’ durability. Apart from mileage, we’ll share several tips indicating when it’s time to replace the filter.
What are vehicle’s air filters for?
A vehicle typically comes with two air filters — one for the engine and one for the cabin. Both are equally important, and keeping a close eye on their condition is critical for the good function of your vehicle.
The screens are made of breathable materials such as paper, cotton or foam. Their primary role is to trap sand, pollution, dust, pollen and even mold before they reach you or the engine.
Engine filters
The air quality entering the engine plays a key role in your engine’s performance. Without screens, these particles would find their way in, damaging the engine’s cylinder walls and pistons.
Cabin filters
Whether inside your home or driving your vehicle, air pollution kills millions of people yearly. Over time, it leads to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
High-efficiency cabin air filters — such as HEPA filters — are useful in this area. They’re able to capture 90 per cent or more of all particles 0.3-microns or larger, significantly protecting drivers’ health.
How often to change engine air filter
Although there is no set and universal schedule to follow, below are some useful guidelines.
Driving frequency
How often to change the air filter in your vehicle depends on how frequently you drive. Generally speaking, it should be replaced every 30,000 miles.
The brittle material can tear over time and let debris in. Regardless of use, however, the screen should be changed every three years.
Your vehicle’s model
Every manufacturer may have a different recommendation when it comes to filter maintenance. They’re usually found inside your vehicle’s manual. For instance, Chevrolet recommends filter maintenance every 45,000 miles. Ford, on the other hand, advises changing one every 30,000 miles.
Driving conditions
Certain factors will increase the frequency of filter changes. Hyundai suggests changing it every 15,000 miles when driving on unpaved roads, in hot weather or high traffic conditions. Driving in a highly polluted environment also falls into this category.
Clues to look out for.
If you haven’t kept track of distance driven, below are some other helpful tips.
Lack of power
A clogged filter can cause ignition issues, and your vehicle may take some time to start. But unlike many might think, a dirty filter doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be burning more gas. It does, however, decrease acceleration power by 6 to 8 per cent. So if you feel that your car is slow to gain momentum, this could be a sign your screen needs changing.
Keep in mind, though, that it generally happens gradually; you may not notice it right away.
Visual inspection
A quick look at the filter can give you some clues it’s time for a new one. If you notice any other colour but white or grey on the screen, it’s a clear sign it needs to be replaced.
Most vehicle owners change the engine oil’s every 3,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the vehicle’s make.
Whether done professionally or on your own, it’s usually a good idea to check all filters at the same time.
Black smoke
A motor needs about 2,641 gallons of air to fuel one 0.3 gallons of gas to work smoothly. The fuel will then create a dark residue, leading your exhaust to deliver a thick and black smoke. This is a sign that your engine is receiving the proper amount of air and oxygen, and the air filter should be checked.
How often to change cabin air filter
Typically, cabin air filters should be replaced on a yearly basis or every 12,000 to 30,000 miles. This filter also depends on the uses and conditions we’ve previously described. Below are some indications you might need to change your cabin filter:
Bad smells in the cabin.
Reduced airflow through the cooling or ventilation system.
Noisy air circulation.
Suffering from allergies or other respiratory conditions while driving.
How to change an air filter
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An average repair shop will be able to replace the filters. Regardless, however, both the engine and cabin filters are easy to check and replace when needed.
Engine air filter
This filter is generally found under the hood, inside a filter box. While some of them can be accessed by simply unlocking the box, other models will require a screwdriver. When purchasing a new screen, ensure that it’ll fit the box’s measurements.
Cabin air filter
In most vehicles, the cabin air filter is often placed either behind the glove box or under the dashboard. It may take a bit longer to change the first time, but overall, it is an easy process, accessible to most.
Filtering down
Both the engine and cabin air filters are essential to keep your vehicle and lungs performing well. How often to change the air filter in your car is dependent on the distance driven. Some visual indicators can, however, give you hints on whether the screen needs to be changed. Note that not all filters have to be replaced; some models can be washable, and therefore more eco-friendly. If you’re going for a one-time-use filter, don’t throw it away — many dealers can recycle them. Whichever screen you select, make sure it’ll fit its dedicated emplacement.
If you don’t feel comfortable changing filters, or lack time, take your vehicle to your mechanic. They will be able to change them for you.
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Generic Codes
P1206: Code fuel system failure caused No. 6 cylinder misfire
Meaning?
Fuel system failure caused No. 6 cylinder misfire is the generic description for the P1206 code. But the manufacturer may have a different descrip tion for your model and year vehicle.
Possible causes
- Ignition spark-check primary and secondary ignition
- Check fuel system-fuel pressure and injector
- Check for vacuum leaks
- Check engine mechanical condition
P1207: Code fuel injector circuit cylinder 7 electrical malfunction
Meaning
Fuel Injector circuit cylinder 7 electrical malfunction is the generic description for the P1207 code. But the manufacturer may have a different description for your model and year vehicle.
Possible causes
- Faulty Fuel Injector #7
- Fuel Injector #7 harness is open or shorted
- Fuel Injector #7 circuit poor electrical connection
P1208: Code fuel injector circuit cylinder 8 electrical malfunction
Meaning
Fuel injector circuit cylinder 8 electrical malfunction is the generic description for the P1208 code. But the manufacturer may have a different description for your model and year vehicle.
Possible causes
- Faulty fuel injector #8
- Fuel Injector #8 harness is open or shorted
- Fuel Injector #8 circuit poor electrical connection
P1209: Code injection control system pressure peak fault
Meaning
The powertrain control module monitors the injection control system pressure. The diagnostic trouble code indicates that injection control pressure was not to specification during normal driving conditions.
Tech notes
Verify correct oil quality, viscosity, and fuel grade are being used for temperature conditions. Replace oil/fuel as necessary.
Possible causes
- Low reservoir oil level
Poor oil quality
- Injector “O” ring leak
- Faulty injection pressure regulator valve
- Faulty oil pressure pump
- Faulty powertrain control module
P1210: Code injector control pressure above expected level
Meaning
The powertrain control module monitors the injector control pressure. This diagnostic trouble code indicates the injector control signal is greater than expected.
Possible causes
- Faulty injection control pressure sensor
- Injection control pressure sensor harness is open or shorted
- Injection control pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection
- Faulty powertrain control module
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