How To Tell If Your Subaru Cabin Air Filter Is Malfunctioning

Ensuring that the cabin air filter in your Subaru is functioning correctly is crucial for maintaining the quality of air inside your vehicle. The cabin air filter plays a vital role in filtering out dust, pollen, and other airborne particles, providing you with clean air to breathe while driving. A malfunctioning cabin air filter can lead to a variety of issues, affecting not only the air quality inside your car but also impacting the overall comfort and health of passengers. Empire Subaru of Huntington offers a range of genuine Subaru accessories and maintenance services to help keep your Subaru in top condition. Here are some signs that your Subaru cabin air filter may be malfunctioning and require attention.

Unpleasant Odors

One of the first signs that your cabin air filter might be malfunctioning is the presence of unpleasant odors inside your vehicle. If the air inside your car smells musty or mildew, the cabin air filter is likely clogged and unable to filter out the particles and pollutants effectively. These odors can become particularly noticeable when the air conditioning or heating systems are active.

Reduced Airflow

Another clear indicator of a malfunctioning cabin air filter is reduced airflow from the vehicle's vents. When the filter becomes clogged with debris, it restricts the flow of air, making your car's HVAC system work harder to circulate air. You may notice that the air coming from the vents is significantly weaker than usual, regardless of how high you set the fan speed.

Increased Allergy Symptoms

For individuals with allergies, a clogged or dirty cabin air filter can exacerbate symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes while driving. A properly functioning air filter helps to remove allergens from the air inside your car. If you notice that your allergy symptoms worsen when you're in your vehicle, it may be time to check the cabin air filter.

Foggy Windows

A malfunctioning cabin air filter can also lead to an increase in humidity inside the car, which can cause the windows to fog up more frequently. The filter's inability to remove moisture from the air effectively can make it harder to keep the windows clear, affecting visibility and safety while driving.

Whistling Sounds

If you hear a whistling sound coming from the air vents, it might be a sign that your cabin air filter is clogged. This noise is caused by the air being forced through the blocked filter, indicating that it's time for a replacement.

Importance of Professional Maintenance

While identifying a malfunctioning cabin air filter is within the capabilities of most Subaru owners, replacing the filter should be handled by professionals. Technicians at Empire Subaru of Huntington have the expertise to replace your cabin air filter quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your Subaru's HVAC system operates at its best. Using genuine Subaru parts, including cabin air filters, ensures that your vehicle maintains its high standard of air quality and performance.

Regular maintenance of your Subaru, including replacing the cabin air filter, is essential for ensuring a comfortable and safe driving experience. A clean air filter helps to protect the health of passengers, improves the performance of your HVAC system, and can even extend the life of your vehicle by preventing unnecessary strain on the system.

If you're experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, or if it's been a while since your last cabin air filter check, consider scheduling a service appointment with Empire Subaru of Huntington. Our team is dedicated to providing the best service for your Subaru, ensuring that every drive is as comfortable and safe as possible. Trust Empire Subaru of Huntington for all your Subaru maintenance needs, and drive confidently knowing your vehicle is in good hands.