Dirty air filter

Zola said:
@Bryn
The thing is, a higher-quality OEM filter with more pleats will last longer before needing replacement, compared to a cheaper alternative.

True, but realistically, most people will replace their cabin filter based on time rather than actual wear, whether it’s 5,000 or 50,000 miles.

After replacing my filter, I took my car in for a recall. The dealer still suggested I should pay $100 for them to replace it again. I declined, obviously.

How many miles did you have on that dirty filter, or was it just a couple of days during the California wildfires?

Changing the air filter is quite straightforward. Here’s a simple walkthrough for the Ioniq 5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE2HuQc43Uw

I learned the hard way about changing filters regularly after finding a nasty old one filled with leaves in my car after 12 years. Now I change it annually or after any nearby wildfire seasons.

Quill said:
I learned the hard way about changing filters regularly after finding a nasty old one filled with leaves in my car after 12 years. Now I change it annually or after any nearby wildfire seasons.

Thanks for the tip, ‘Ioniq Steve’. It’s good to hear from someone who’s learned to stay on top of maintenance.

A dirty filter isn’t necessarily a problem unless it starts to restrict air flow significantly. I wouldn’t rush to replace a filter just because it looks dirty unless there are signs of reduced airflow.

Once I discovered a family of mice had made a home in my filter. Definitely a good reminder to check and change your filters regularly!

I once waited a year to change my filter, and it was completely clogged. Now I opt for more frequent changes to ensure cleaner air inside the car.

I usually save by doing my filter changes, which also gets me a discount on service fees in Canada.

During the fire season here in Southern California, I’ve already had to change my air filter twice this season due to the ash and debris.

Thanks for the reminder, I need to check and possibly replace my filter too!

Perfect timing! I’m about to take my car in for maintenance, so I’ll make sure to check the air filter before I go.

As a future owner, I’m curious about the filter location in the Ioniq 5. Is it as accessible as other models?

Aeron said:
As a future owner, I’m curious about the filter location in the Ioniq 5. Is it as accessible as other models?

It’s incredibly easy to access. Just pop open the front trunk, remove the panel, and you’ll find the filter right behind a small door. No tools needed!

@Magdalina
That’s reassuring! I’ve heard horror stories about other models, so it’s great to know the Ioniq 5 is user-friendly.

Thanks for the reminder—I need to check my air filter too!

Ironically, a slightly dirty filter can actually trap more particles than a brand new one, though it does reduce airflow.

Dealers are not to be trusted for routine maintenance like this. They often miss simple things and overcharge for others.

Be wary of dealers pushing unnecessary services. I was shocked when they tried to charge me $177 just to change the cabin air filter!