Air purification remains a concern for many as we continue to face the coronovirus.

When it comes to car air purification and the coronavirus, Kelly Blue Book points out that the virus particulates that spread coronavirus are often too small for a car air filter to catch:

• First of all, consider that the coronavirus particulate measures between .06 and .14 microns in diameter. Most HEPA filters in today’s modern vehicles can trap germs down to .3 microns, according to the Society of Automotive Engineers.
• The EPA states that air cleaners and air purifiers can help reduce airborne contaminants, including viruses, in a confined space. On its own though, an air cleaner is not enough to protect people from COVID-19.

That isn’t to say that keeping your car’s air clean isn’t important. When used along with other best practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, operating an air cleaner can be part of a plan to protect yourself and your family, according to the EPA.

Every day on the roadways, we’re exposed to a variety of air pollutants, from exhaust fumes to pollen to mold spores, which get trapped inside the car’s cabin.

Pollutants can collect inside your vehicle at concentrations up to 10 times higher than the outside air. If you suffer from allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues, breathing in these pollutants can be especially problematic.

Many people are unaware that most vehicles are equipped with a cabin air filtration system as part of their HVAC system. Automakers typically recommend replacing your air filter every year or 15,000 miles.

“Think of the heating and air-conditioning system in your home and how often you replace those filters,” said Steve Steinmetz, Director of Automotive Services for AAA Western and Central New York. “The cabin air filter in your car serves the same purpose and keeps the air you breathe in your car clean.”

If your car consistently has a bad odor, your filter may need replacing. Another sign is reduced airflow through the vents, which means that the filter is likely full of trapped contaminants.

Beyond improving air quality, replacing your cabin air filter regularly can extend the life of your vehicle’s HVAC system.

Contact a AAA Approved Auto Repair location to learn more about replacing the cabin air filter in your vehicle – it could make a world of difference.

AAA Approved Auto Repair