If you’ve lived through a Georgia spring, you know the drill—yellow pollen on every surface, itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and allergy meds on standby. But what most drivers in Conyers don’t realize is that your car might be making your allergies worse without you even knowing it.

The culprit? A dirty or clogged cabin air filter.

At Gibbs Automotive, we see this every spring. Drivers come in dealing with poor airflow, musty smells, and itchy, watery eyes during their commute—and in most cases, it traces back to a simple filter replacement. Let’s walk through why this matters, how to know if yours needs replacing, and what it can do for your health and comfort behind the wheel.

What Is a Cabin Air Filter and What Does It Do?

The cabin air filter is a small but important part of your vehicle’s ventilation system. It filters out dust, pollen, smog, and other airborne contaminants before they enter your car’s interior through the A/C or heating vents.

Think of it like the HVAC filter in your house—it doesn’t just protect your system, it helps you breathe cleaner air.

When that filter gets clogged, it can’t do its job. You’re left breathing in whatever’s swirling around outside: pollen, mold spores, exhaust fumes, and more. And during allergy season in Georgia, that can make every drive feel miserable.

Why It’s Especially Important in Conyers During Spring

Pollen levels in Georgia during spring are some of the highest in the country. Oak, pine, and other tree pollen start floating through the air in early March and don’t let up for months. If you park under trees or drive with the windows down, your cabin air filter gets overwhelmed fast.

Even if your car is relatively new, the filter can clog up in one season—especially if you’re driving through areas with high tree cover or construction dust.

For those with seasonal allergies, asthma, or sensitivity to airborne particles, this can make a huge difference in how you feel while driving.

Signs Your Cabin Air Filter Might Need Replacing

Most drivers don’t check their cabin filter until something feels off. Here are the most common signs we see:

Reduced airflow even when the fan is on high Unpleasant or musty odor coming from vents Increased allergy symptoms or sneezing while driving Foggy windows that don’t clear up as quickly Visible dust settling on your dashboard shortly after cleaning

If you’re noticing any of these, chances are your cabin filter is overdue for a change.

How Often Should You Replace a Cabin Air Filter?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing the cabin air filter every 15,000 to 25,000 miles. But in areas like Conyers, where pollen and humidity levels are high, you may need to do it more often—once a year is a good rule of thumb.

If your car’s parked outside most of the time, or you do a lot of highway driving with the windows cracked, it’s worth checking more frequently.

The good news is that it’s a quick, affordable service. At Gibbs Automotive, we can inspect and replace your cabin air filter during your oil change or spring maintenance visit—no extra trip required.

What Happens If You Don’t Replace It?

Ignoring a dirty cabin air filter won’t necessarily break your car, but it will:

Make your A/C and heating system work harder Reduce fuel efficiency slightly Cause your vents to blow dust, allergens, and odors into the car Lead to lingering smells that are hard to get rid of Worsen allergy symptoms for anyone in the vehicle

In other words, it makes driving less enjoyable—especially during the months when you rely on your air conditioner the most.

Can You Replace It Yourself?

Technically, yes. But not every cabin air filter is easy to access. Some are behind the glovebox, while others are tucked into harder-to-reach parts of your ventilation system.

If you’re unsure where yours is located or how to check it, bring it to Gibbs Automotive. We’ll show you the condition of the old filter and replace it with the right one for your make and model. No mess, no guessing.

Why Conyers Drivers Trust Gibbs Automotive for Spring Prep

We’ve been serving the Conyers community for years, and spring is one of the busiest times in our shop—for good reason. From routine oil changes to A/C checks and cabin filter replacements, we help local drivers stay comfortable and healthy on the road.

Our team is ASE-certified, friendly, and straightforward. We’ll let you know if your cabin air filter needs replacing and take care of it quickly during any scheduled service.

Spring Allergies Are Bad Enough—Don’t Let Your Car Make Them Worse

If you’re dealing with allergy symptoms and spending time in your car every day, it’s worth asking if your cabin air filter is making things harder than they need to be. Replacing it is quick, affordable, and one of the best ways to improve your driving comfort this spring.

Come see us at Gibbs Automotive in Conyers and breathe a little easier behind the wheel.