How to Diagnose Your Car’s AC Filter and Quickly Repair It

Your car's AC filter, also known as the cabin air filter, is designed to remove dirt, dust, and debris from the air that goes through your car's air conditioning system.

This is what keeps your car comfortable, especially as you drive through heavily polluted areas. It’s not something most people give a lot of thought to, but when it’s not working properly, it can lead to problems. You and your passengers may notice it as a boost in allergy symptoms or just overall poor quality air.

But even if you do wait too long to change or repair the AC filter, all is not lost. It's a relatively easy and inexpensive fix that could make a big difference in your overall comfort.

To address the problem of diagnosing the issue. Think about how things are going within your car. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it's probably time to repair the AC filter. At the very least, you should give it a check.

Check This: How to Troubleshoot a Broken Car AC

Reduced airflow

One of the most obvious symptoms of a faulty or clogged air filter is reduced airflow within the cabin. If you've started noticing that the heat or air conditioning isn't coming out with as much force as it used to, you probably have a problem with your cabin filter.

This naturally makes a lot of sense because if your filter is dirty, air can’t pass through with ease. It’s kind of like when you’re trying to see out of a dirty window. There’s an obstruction that makes it difficult to see. The greater the obstruction, the harder it’ll be for you to see out.

The same thing is true for the cabin filter. If your AC filter is clogged, air won't be able to pass, and you'll see it as your AC being broken. In most cases, nothing is actually broken. You might just need to clean or replace the AC filter.

Reduced engine power

Here’s one that a lot of people don’t connect. When your AC filter is clogged, your AC has to work harder to push out the air. It still won’t be as effective, but the engine will work harder to get the job done.

You might relate this to reduced power in the AC motor, and you’d be right, but the engine also has to work harder when the AC requires more electricity.

This could result in reduced engine power -- and most people wouldn’t even consider that the AC could be the culprit! But since car accidents are rising, you want to do everything in your power to keep your car running in good condition.

Allergy symptoms

If you suffer from allergies, it might be obvious when it’s time to change your cabin filter. If you feel worse in your car than you do at home, or even outside, it’s probably time to make a switch.

But even if you don’t suffer from allergies, you’re eventually going to feel the difference in air quality while you're in your car. The air certainly won't be as clean, and your body will be left to filter out all the toxins itself. It may take some time to notice the difference, but you'll get there. It helps if you know what to look for. And, if you aren't sure, it's easy enough to check the filter at any time.