Genuine Toyota Cabin Air Filters
Toyota Cabin Air Filters: What are They and Why are They Important?
Fresh, clean air is important for safe driving, and there’s an often-overlooked part inside your Toyota that is critical to easy breathing and windows that clear of frost or fog easily.
It’s your Toyota Cabin Air Filter.
What is a Cabin Air Filter?
A Toyota genuine cabin air filter is a premium product that helps keep contaminants such as dust, dirt, pollen and other debris from entering your vehicle’s passenger cabin. It’s made of high-quality fibres and there are two types, each incorporating advanced technology: an electrostatic filter that holds an electrostatic charge to trap contaminants, and a premium charcoal filter, which incorporates an extra layer of activated carbon that can help remove odours from incoming air.
It’s usually located behind the glove box and is typically accessed by getting the glove box out of the way. Your owner’s manual will show you the correct procedure, but inspection is also something your Toyota certified technician should perform during regularly scheduled service appointments.
In addition to keeping the air inside your vehicle clean, keeping out dust helps keep your vehicle’s interior clean.
It’s a relatively recent addition to automotive equipment, so it’s entirely possible your Toyota vehicle is the first of your vehicles to have one. That also means it’s an item that’s easily overlooked for regular maintenance.
Why is Maintenance Important?
Your Toyota Genuine Cabin Air Filter has been designed to improve the air you breathe and keep your heating and ventilation system working at peak efficiency. Over time, your cabin air filter will become extremely dirty, which will slow down the airflow through your vehicle’s heating and ventilation system.
Good airflow is critical for quickly defrosting or defogging windows, an important safety consideration. As well, extra time spent running the engine, waiting for the windows to clear, is wasted fuel.
When your filter gets really clogged, that reduced airflow can also impact the long-term reliability of heating and ventilation components that rely on airflow for cooling, such as the components that regulate fan speed and the fan motor itself.
How Do You Know Your Cabin Air Filter Needs Changed?
Regular inspection, every six months or 8,000 kilometres, will indicate when it’s time to change your filter. If you drive regularly in heavy traffic, or in dusty environments or on gravel roads, your filter should be checked more often.
When it looks a dusty grey and appears clogged with dirt, dust or other debris, it’s due for a replacement. Your Toyota certified technician is the best source of advice.
If you notice your windows don’t clear as quickly as they once did, or if you notice a musty or mouldy odour in your vehicle, check the cabin air filter first. It’s the most likely and least expensive fix.
Cabin air filters aren’t expensive to replace, but what they help provide — clean, fresh air — is priceless. So, make sure your filter is checked regularly, and only use Toyota genuine cabin air filters for optimum performance.
Why You Need to Change Your Vehicle’s Cabin Air Filter
A cabin air filter prevents stuff like dirt, dust, smoke, smog, pollen, mold, and exhaust from entering the cabin of your vehicle through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It also keeps out other debris, such as bugs, rodent droppings, and leaves.
They are typically rectangular and made of paper and a mix of other fibrous materials. They also feature pleats to better catch the contaminants. When air passes through the cabin air filter, debris is trapped rather than going into the vehicle. Eventually, that debris will build up, making it necessary for the filter to be changed to continue to work efficiently.
How Often Do You Need to Change a Cabin Air Filter?
Toyota recommends replacing your cabin air filter every 12 months or 16,000 kms, depending on the vehicle and where you drive. If you live in an area with air pollution or you regularly drive on dirt roads, you might want to replace it even sooner. Allergy sufferers or those with compromised respiratory systems might consider getting a new one after as few as 10,000 kms.
What If You Don’t Change Your Cabin Air Filter Enough?
A cabin air filter that’s dirty or clogged won’t filter contaminants, and could cause problems for those who suffer from allergies or have breathing difficulties. A good suggestion is to replace your cabin air filter every February or March in order to prevent pollen from finding its way into your vehicle when spring allergy season arrives.
HVAC System Issues. A cabin air filter left too long will make your vehicle’s HVAC system work harder, which could eventually cause the motor to burn out. Dirty or clogged cabin air filters will also reduce the amount of air flowing from the vents. This affects cabin air temperature, which depends on a steady flow of air passing through the heater core, evaporator, or both components, so not changing your cabin air filter will make your HVAC system work much harder.
Poor Window Fog Clearing. Another problem that could arise when airflow is compromised is your windows won’t clear as quickly. The diminished air quality that comes from a cabin air filter that’s clogging up allows condensation to form on the windshield.
Foul Odors. Sometimes that terrible smell coming from your vents isn’t something you just drove by. It could be coming from your cabin air filter. Dirty or excessively clogged cabin air filters can produce a dusty, musty stench, especially when the HVAC system is turned on.
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