FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. — A new warning issued by the Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC) indicates the abundance of wildfires in Canada could shorten the life of air filters in trucks.

Cabin air filters are among the most vulnerable to damage caused by wildfires, as they are not designed to handle large amounts of contaminants.

“The solid contaminants can get into the interior and affect other systems and reduce performance of things like the vehicle’s air conditioning,” says Chris Greeson, technical committee chairman of the FMC. Not all trucks have a cabin air filter, however.

Engine air filters should also be checked regularly if driving in areas that have been ravaged by wildfires.

“A dirty air filter can cause poor fuel economy and erratic idling,” says Greeson.