Is the Air in Your Car Safe During Southern Oregon’s Wildfire Seasons?

Wildfires have become part of life in Southern Oregon every summer and fall. Even when there isn’t an active blaze nearby, drifting smoke can settle in the valley for days or weeks at a time.

That raises an important question for drivers: Is the air inside your vehicle actually safe to breathe?

The short answer is “probably,” as long as your cabin air filter is clean and your ventilation settings are optimized. Most cars built since the early 2000s include a cabin air filter (sometimes called a pollen filter) that traps outside particulates before they reach the interior. When used correctly, this system can significantly reduce the amount of smoke and dust you breathe while driving.

Cabin Air Filters: Your First Line of Defense

Cabin filters vary in quality. Higher‑grade options often contain activated charcoal layers that capture ultrafine particles and neutralize odors. During routine service, we check and replace these filters at scheduled intervals. In smoky months, however, you may want to change yours more frequently. A filter can be more than 20 percent blocked and still appear clean to the naked eye, so don’t rely on looks alone.

Tip: If you notice reduced airflow from the vents or lingering cabin odors, it may be time for a fresh filter—even if you’re between regular service visits.

Use Recirculation for Cleaner, Cooler Air

When smoke levels rise, keep the windows closed, turn on the air conditioning, and activate the recirculation (recirc) button on your climate‑control panel. Recirc closes a flap in the ductwork, forcing the blower to reuse cabin air instead of pulling smoky “fresh” air from outside. As a bonus, your A/C will cool more efficiently because it’s chilling air that’s already been cooled.

After a prolonged smoke event, consider an additional filter replacement and a thorough A/C inspection to clear out any residual ash or debris.

Stay Proactive—And Breathe Easier

Wildfire smoke may be inevitable, but compromised cabin air quality doesn’t have to be. A clean cabin filter, proper use of recirculation, and timely maintenance go a long way toward protecting your lungs.

If you’re unsure when your filter was last changed—or if you simply want peace of mind—schedule a quick inspection with us. Ashland Automotive stocks high‑efficiency cabin filters and offers same‑day installation.

Our thanks go out to the firefighters and first responders who work tirelessly each year to protect our communities. Stay safe, breathe easier, and drive on—even when wildfire season rolls through the region.

Have a question about what we do and how we do it? Check out our FAQ page to learn more about Ashland Automotive. And remember, if your car is in need of a little attention, you can request an appointment at 541‑482‑4042 or online anytime HERE!