My Car Filter Is Making Me Ill
Your car’s air filter does more than just keep dust out of the engine; it also keeps the air you breathe clean. But when it gets clogged, things get gross fast. Here are five signs it’s time to call your local shop for a new one.
You’re Coughing More Than Your Car
If you’re sneezing, wheezing, or feeling stuffy every time you drive, your cabin air filter is probably clogged with dust, pollen, and bacteria. Instead of filtering out allergens, it’s blowing them in your face. Time to swap that filter before your commute turns into a coughing fit.
Breathing in the Bad Stuff
A dirty air filter stops doing its job, which means more pollutants like smog, mold spores, and car exhaust can get into your cabin. Breathing that in regularly can cause symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and a sore throat. If your car smells funky or you feel off during drives, it’s a sign to get to the shop.
Weak Airflow From the Vents
Notice your AC isn’t blowing air, even on high? A clogged filter can choke airflow and make your car’s ventilation struggle. If your vents are weak and the air feels weak, it’s time to get that filter checked and probably replaced.
Musty Smells That Won’t Quit
A funky, musty smell when you turn on the fan is your nose’s way of saying “change the filter”. Mold and bacteria love a dirty, damp filter, and they’ll turn your AC into a petri dish.
Your Cabin’s Covered in Dust
If your dashboard looks like it belongs in an abandoned attic, check your filter. A dirty filter lets road dust get into the vents. You’ll breathe it in before you even see it on the seats. Clean cabin air starts with a clean filter.
