Reasons to change your air filter
You should change the cabin air filter of your 2012 Kia Sorento for several reasons:
- Better engine performance: A clean air filter allows for a greater amount of air to reach the engine, which enhances overall performance and fuel efficiency.
- Protecting the engine: A dirty or clogged air filter can restrict the airflow to the engine, which can damage the engine over time.
- Cleaner air quality inside the car: The cabin air filter helps to remove pollutants, dust, and other allergens from the air inside the car, which improves the air quality for everyone on board.
- Improving the air quality outside the car: A clean air filter can also help improve the air quality outside the car by filtering out airborne contaminants.
- Prolonging the life of the HVAC system: The cabin air filter also helps to keep the heating and air conditioning system running smoothly, which helps increase the efficiency of the system.
If you replace your air filter on a regular basis, you can ensure that your Kia Sorento engine and HVAC system are running efficiently, and that the air inside and outside the car is clean and healthy.
The correct cabin air filter on a 2012 Kia Sorento
For any 2012 Kia Sorento, you can use WIX 24080 cabin air filters. These are an exact fit and will match the required specifications of your Sorento. We always try to recommend the highest quality air filters for the money, and these air filters are either a factory recommendation or an equivalent replacement available in today’s market at a reasonable price.
How often should I change my cabin air filter?
Generally, it is advised that you replace the cabin air filter once per year, or every 12,500 miles, whichever comes first. If you drive in a highly polluted area, or in an area with high levels of dust, pollen, or other allergens, it may be necessary to change the filter more frequently. Similarly, if you often drive on dirt or gravel roads, or if you use your 2012 Kia Sorento for off-roading, change your air filter more often.
It’s also important to pay attention to these indicators that the filter needs to be changed, such as:
- Reduced airflow from the vents
- Odd smells coming from the vents
- Increased dust and debris inside the cabin
Changing the cabin air filter on a 2012 Kia Sorento
This is a process you can do on your own with some ordinary tools. Of course, consult your owner’s manual, as well as a factory service manual (FSM). The video shown below does a good job of outlining the process.
Tips for changing the cabin air filter on a 2012 Kia Sorento
Please make sure you reference the video above before you attempt to replace the air filter on your 2012 Kia Sorento, as well as review your factory service manual. Additionally, we have some tips below here to help you as you complete this repair.
- Clean the area around the filter: Before installing the new filter, use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to clean the area around the filter. This will help prevent debris from getting inside the new filter.
- Orient the filter correctly: Make sure the new filter is installed securely, with the arrows on the filter pointing in the direction of the airflow. Incorrect installation can lead to reduced filter performance or even damage to your car’s ventilation system.
- Follow manufacturer’s recommendations: Follow any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer, such as replacing any clips or fasteners, to ensure the proper fit of the new filter.
Helpful Tools
You should be able to accomplish a cabin air filter change with some normal tools you most likely already have. However, there are a few tools that are specific to this job that you may not have, and we also want to recommend some commonplace tools that you should for sure have in your toolbox if you don’t already.
- A Mask – If you have allergies or sensitivities to dust or other allergens, you should wear a mask to protect yourself when removing and replacing the cabin air filter.
- A can of Compressed Air – use this to clean the area around the filter. This will help ensure that the new filter operates at maximum efficiency.
- A Vacuum Cleaner / Shop Vac – You can use a handheld vacuum cleaner or shop vac instead of compressed air, but it won’t displace the the debris quite as effectively.
- Screwdriver – In some cases, you will need a screwdriver to remove the cover that houses the cabin air filter.