A Guide to Changing Your Car’s Air Filter This Spring

At long last, Old Man Winter’s icy grip on the Hartford area has begun to weaken. Chances are a familiar urge is returning whenever you key the ignition: the temptation to crank up the speakers, roll down the window and let the spring breeze drift in. And for good reason! Our lungs are due for all the natural air they can handle after this long winter. That makes the start of spring the ideal time to switch out your car’s cabin air filter.

As pollen, dust, and other allergens band together once more, you’ll need a constant flow of fresh air in your cabin. The air filter that’s been (literally) collecting dust in your filter box all winter long might not be up to the task. Thankfully, the process of swapping out your air filter is both simple and affordable. Courtesy of Gallagher GMC, here’s a guide detailing what you need to know.

What Does Your Air Filter Do?

Cabin air filters work to purify the air streaming into the cabin via your vehicle’s HVAC systems. They eliminate dust, pollen, mold particles, and additional airborne debris, leaving behind clean, healthy air. Air filters enhance air purity, and thereby help create a more breathable, allergen-free driving environment. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, monitoring the condition of your cabin air filter is a must. Additionally, air filters help keep your HVAC components functioning properly, while optimizing HVAC system performance.

Having fresh, clean air at your disposal seems like a no-brainer, but it’s your air filter’s job to maintain that constant airflow, and too often, we neglect our filters. If you’ve sensed stale or acrid air in your car’s cabin lately, a change of filters is most likely needed. Another component to monitor is your windshield; if you find it’s having a hard time maintaining visibility amidst the season’s humidity, this could be another sign you’re due for a new filter.

When it does come time to replace your air filter, you’ll discover several options at your disposal. Filter types include:

Standard Air Filters: The most common type of cabin air filter. Provides basic filtration for dust, pollen, and other particles. These filters generally cost between $20-$25, though they can be even cheaper – such as this Pureflow filter, compatible with recent GMC Sierra 1500 models.

Activated Carbon Filters: Excels at absorbing gases and other unpleasant odors. Recommended if you’re focusing on eradicating odors and trapping airborne pollutants.

HEPA Filters: Or, “High-Efficiency Particulate Air” filters. For advanced filtration, captures smaller particles and allergens. Recommended for those with bad allergies, sensitive respiratory conditions, or who simply enjoy the highest level of air purity.

How Do I Replace My Air Filter?

Once you’ve selected the filter type that best suits your needs, the replacement process is even simpler than you imagined. First, locate your air filter box (sometimes referred to as the “filter housing”) and open it. Doing so may require a screwdriver or another tool, but once the box is open, the ensuing job should take but a moment.

Remove your old air filter slowly, noting the placement of how it was initially installed. Take a picture with your phone if that helps you recall the configuration, as you’ll want to mirror it when inserting the new filter. Also, take this brief opportunity to wipe away any stray dust or debris in the air filter box that may have blown off the old filter. Next, simply replicate the placement of the old filter with the new one. Secure the air filter box once again, tightening its bolts if you had to unscrew them. Flip on the HVAC, and before you know it, your cabin will be flooded with crystal-clean air once again.

Filter Happier

As David Byrne sang 45 years ago, “Air can hurt you too.” Don’t be content with a low-quality airflow in your GMC’s cabin. If you’ve noticed reduced airflow, unpleasant odors, noises from your vents, or your windshield fogging up quickly in dense humidity, these could all be signs that your cabin air filter needs replacement. Fortunately, you now know that replacing your cabin air filter is a simple, affordable process.

If you encounter any other problems with your HVAC systems this spring, we have the solutions at Gallagher GMC. Our experienced Service Center will handle all your car’s maintenance needs, from oil changes to tires, batteries to brakes. This season, kick off spring cleaning by tending to your vehicle; you’ll find it provides a breath of fresh air.