Is Your Car Making You Sick?

Image Source: CarBot

Many dealerships take extra time explaining things when you take your car in for repairs, and sometimes we wonder if they are just trying to up-sale us into an additional service or part, but in the case of good guys like  those at Ken Garff Used Cars in Utah, their suggestions are always in your best interest, not theirs. A good service tech knows there is more to properly functioning “safety features” than good brake systems and functioning airbags.

Does My Car Have One?

Most late-model vehicles have something called a “cabin air filter” that many car owners are unaware of. Sadly this filter can make you sick if you don’t change it periodically as it is the filter that filters the air you breath inside of your car. Whether you are recycling inside-air or flowing it from the outside in, it still goes through this filter.

 

When Do I Change It?

Most manufactures suggest changing your air cabin filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, although geography also plays a role in frequency. For instance, if you live in a desert, there is a lot of dust generally so your filter has to work harder and should be changed more often.

A little common sense goes a long way when it comes to gauging what’s best for your area. A good indicator it’s time to change the filter is when you begin smelling an off-odor or experiencing a decrease in your HVAC air-flow system, but hearing increased noise from the unit. And remember, if you don’t notice anything it doesn’t mean the air quality you are engulfing yourself [and possibly your family] in, is healthy.

Image Source: Odd Stuff Magazine

Change That Filter Now!

When was the last time you had a new one put in?

You may be able to DIY. Most often it is located behind the glove-box and a few twists of a screw driver will allow you to pull the glove box out and access the filter; then just slide that dusty puppy out and pop in a new one. Easy schmeasy for those so inclined to try, if not, your service guy or gal will be happy to do it for you and if they have never mentioned it in all of the time you have been taking your vehicle to them, you might want to bring it up yourself.

Image Source: Jim Metcalfe

Whether you DIY or have it done for you, be sure to take a look at the old one. You will be blown away at all the yucky stuff; from bugs and bird parts to cigarette butts and leaves to who-knows-what else.

Just think, you were breathing that stuff in!

So That’s my handy-dandy car-tip, what’s yours?