AUGUSTA, Maine — As warmer days arrive, many of us are already turning on the air conditioner in our cars and trucks. But if you think that air is nice and clean, think again.
With many of us spending hours each day in our vehicles, it's important to consider what might be lurking in the air we breathe while driving.
Al Sutherland, the owner of Al's Certified Auto Repair in Augusta, said it may be time to replace the cabin air filter.
"When mold comes out through that ventilation system, in many cases those ducts are pointed right at your face. If you are susceptible to allergies, it's putting it right in your nose. That could exacerbate the situation; you could sneeze more, and even people without allergies could be sneezing due to the dust and stuff," Sutherland explained.
Doctors confirm that allergy season, especially when it comes to pollen, is getting worse and lasting longer each year.
"We know when the pollen starts coming out for the next several months, there are different types of allergy seasons, and it depends on what is circulating in the air," Dr. Dora Anne Mills, the chief health improvement officer with MaineHealth, stated.
There are signs to look out for to know if it’s the pollen coming through your car window that's causing a reaction or the build-up inside your air filter.
"When you put your hands on the vent, it's like no air is coming out," Sutherland said.
If you're unsure if your sniffles are caused by allergies or if you suspect it is from your vehicle, Sutherland said it's a simple check.
"Just go to your local repair shop and ask them to check the cabin filter. It's really the only filter that filters the air in the cabin, which is where you're sitting and breathing," Sutherland explained.
Sutherland said on average, your cabin filter should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
If you do that, he suggests, maybe you'll breathe a little easier while on the road.