When it’s 35°C or more, it’s almost impossible to do without air conditioning in the car. But, if it blows less strongly than usual, a simple change of room can change everything, and we tend to forget it.
The heat sets in everywhere in France and car journeys quickly become painful when the air no longer circulates properly. Many drivers first think about recharging the air conditioning when it cools less well. However, in many cases, it is not she who is to blame. A wearing part, present on all vehicles, can lose its effectiveness over time. Specialists advise not to leave it aside, especially before going on vacation or during periods of extreme heat.
This piece isn’t just about making the air nicer. It filters the air arriving from the outside before it enters the passenger compartment. Pollen, dust, exhaust gases, mold… it retains a good part of these impurities. It’s particularly useful in the city, but also in spring and summer, when allergies flare up. It also protects the air conditioning circuit. If it becomes blocked, the air passes much less well and the entire system has to force more to do the same job.
This is precisely where the trouble begins. The ventilation blows less forcefully, the car takes longer to cool and the air conditioning runs longer to try to compensate. Ultimately, comfort decreases as the mechanics work harder. The room in question? The cabin filter. This part costs around 10 euros in specialized stores such as Norauto, Oscaro or Feu Vert. Some motorists replace it themselves in a few minutes, while others prefer to entrust the work to a garage.
Bumper experts also point out that it is better not to wait too long before replacing this part. “Most cabin filters have a lifespan of between 30,000 and 48,000 km. If you see no evidence of its replacement in your service history, it is advisable to replace it.” Note that several signs should alert you. If the ventilation becomes weak, if the temperature barely changes when you adjust the air conditioning, or if a bad smell appears as soon as you turn it on, there’s a good chance that this room is at the end of its life.
