If spring allergies are a yearly struggle for you, you're not alone. But did you know, your vehicle may be partially to blame? Here's why.
If you’ve been experiencing severe allergies over the past couple of years, you’re not alone. A major culprit is the stinknet, also known as globe chamomile, which is an invasive weed that has rapidly taken over Arizona. Unfortunately, this newcomer (along with the weeds we already deal with) has created a lot of headaches for our fellow Arizonans. It’s tough to kill, spreads quickly, and worst of all, it’s a major allergy trigger for many of us.
Even if you’re working to eliminate this weed from your yard, its fibers continue to linger in our desert air, causing issues wherever you go. While we tend to focus on our homes and outdoor spaces, it’s easy to forget that our vehicles are magnets for dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants. That’s why your vehicle’s filtration system plays a bigger role in allergy control than most drivers realize.
What Your Cabin Air Filter Actually Does
Think of your cabin air filter as the home air filter for your car. Most of us, especially in Arizona, change our home air filters out every 1-3 months, so why aren’t we giving our vehicles the same type of care?
The cabin air filter’s job is simply to clean the air entering the interior of your vehicle. As you drive, it works to trap:
- Dust and Dirt
- Smog
- Pollen
- Debris
- Mildew and Mold Spores
- And Other Airborne Pollutants
When the filter becomes overloaded, those pollutants make their way into the cabin, making it harder to breathe and often worsening allergy symptoms.
Clogged Filters Can Make Your Car Work Harder
In addition to cleaning the air you breathe, your cabin air filter also helps your engine run efficiently. When the filter is clogged, your HVAC system must work harder to push air through, putting extra load on the engine. This can lead to decreased acceleration, a sluggish feel, and lower fuel economy – none of which are fun at the gas pump. A clean filter keeps air flowing freely, helping both your comfort and your car’s performance.
When to Replace Your Cabin Air Filter
Cabin air filters generally need to be replaced every 15,000–30,000 miles, though the exact interval depends on your vehicle and driving conditions. For Arizona drivers, changing your filter with the seasons, especially in spring, is a smart way to reduce the amount of dust, pollen, and other allergens entering your car.
Here are some signs it may be time to replace your cabin air filter:
- Seasonal changes bringing more dust or pollen
- Increased dust or particles inside the cabin
- Reduced airflow from your vents
- Musty or unusual odors coming from the HVAC system
- Overall decrease in air quality inside the vehicle
How Precision Tire and Auto Center Can Help
Replacing a cabin air filter is a relatively simple job that can make a huge difference. At Precision Tire and Auto Center, we check your cabin air filter during every inspection to ensure the air you are breathing in is clean.
Ready to book your appointment and drive into springtime with confidence? Give us a call today at 623-582-4545 and we will get you taken care of!
