To clean the car air conditioning filter, first determine its location, which is usually inside the glove box on the passenger side or behind the drainage channel under the front windshield; refer to the vehicle manual for specifics. After taking out the filter, avoid washing it with water. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove surface dust, or use compressed air at a pressure of about 500 kPa from the reverse side of the filter (the air intake side) and blow continuously for two minutes at a distance of 5 cm. The service life of the original filter is usually 1 year or 30,000 kilometres. When installing, pay attention to the directional arrow on the filter to ensure it is aligned with the airflow direction. You can also clean the air conditioning system simultaneously: after turning off the AC, set the system to maximum external air circulation, spray a specialized foam cleaner into the air intake, run it for 10 minutes to dissolve the dirt, then turn off the engine and allow the liquid to drain from the outlet. Regular monthly cleaning of the filter can extend its service life, particularly in high-temperature and dusty environments where more frequent maintenance is required. It is also recommended to have the air conditioning evaporator professionally deep-cleaned every two years to maintain cooling efficiency and prevent odor buildup.
