According to a car repair technician at Ninety Eight Auto (Cat Lai ward, Ho Chi Minh City), service cars have a high operating frequency, so it is necessary to pay more attention to the time of air conditioner air filter replacement.
This is the part that filters dust before air enters the passenger compartment. When used for a long time, dust accumulating on the filter surface can limit the airflow through the air conditioning system.
For family cars, the time to replace air conditioner filters is usually around 10,000-15,000km or about 6 months of use. However, for service cars that travel frequently, especially on dusty roads, the replacement of mold can be shortened to about 8,000-10,000km.
Some signs that the air filter has deteriorated that can be recognized are slow air conditioning, weak cold air, or the appearance of a moldy, unpleasant odor in the cabin. For service cars, these issues are even more noteworthy because cars often carry passengers.
Air conditioner air filters are usually located behind the auxiliary storage compartment. Depending on the car model, users can remove the compartment to access and check the filter. If the filter surface turns black or is covered with too much dust, it should be replaced.
Technicians also note that you should not arbitrarily wash the air filter if the filter is made of materials not designed for washing. When water is absorbed or cleaned incorrectly, the structure of the filter material may be affected, thereby reducing the ability to hold dust.
Therefore, when the filter is too dirty, the appropriate option is to replace it instead of trying to clean it for further use. The cost of this part is not high but plays a role in maintaining airflow and air quality in the cabin.
For service cars, air conditioner filter checks should be carried out more often than family cars, especially when the car operates continuously in a dusty environment. Replacing filters at the right time also helps limit the situation of weak air conditioners, odors and causing discomfort to passengers.
