How to change a cabin air filter?

Did you know that the air inside your vehicle can be up to six times more polluted than the air outside? That's why the cabin air filter is so important!

It filters the air entering the vehicle to remove contaminants. Most people don't even know that cabin air filters exist, yet most vehicles manufactured after 2000 are equipped with them.

The cabin air filter is one of the filters in your car that should be changed regularly. You should change your cabin air filter every year. Usually located behind the glove box, the cabin air filter is removed by removing the plastic cover in front of the filter itself.

Changing the cabin air filter is easy and usually doesn't take long. By following the steps outlined in this article, even those with no mechanical experience can complete the task in 10 minutes.

Why replace your vehicle's cabin air filter?

A cabin air filter is different from an engine air filter, which prevents debris from entering the engine. The cabin air filter traps 50% to 90% of particles larger than 0.3 microns. It filters out dust, mold, pollen, and many other fine particles. In doing so, it maintains the quality of the air inside your vehicle.

If you don't replace the cabin air filter, environmental contaminants can find their way through a clogged filter and cause health problems, especially in the lungs. Changing the cabin air filter ensures that the air your vehicle's occupants breathe is healthy. A dirty or clogged filter can also affect the operation of your vehicle's air conditioning and heating systems.

How often should I replace my cabin air filter?

Cleaning or replacing the filter at the proper intervals will help maintain optimal air quality in your vehicle. In general, automakers recommend replacing the filter every 20,000 or 30,000 miles, depending on normal driving conditions. In other words, change it at least once a year.

If you often drive in heavily polluted areas or on unpaved roads, you will need to change the filter more often. If you drive a lot on dirty roads, the filter "works" harder and clogs more quickly.

How do you change your vehicle's cabin air filter?

Step 1: Locate the cabin air filter

If you notice either of the following problems, it's time to change your cabin air filter:

Blower airflow is reduced, preventing the windshield from defrosting;

Ventilation is less powerful and gives off an unpleasant odor.

You can find it in several places in your vehicle: under the windshield wipers, in the engine compartment, under the glove box, next to the gas pedal. Before you begin, you will need to identify the location of this part. Generally, you'll need to unscrew and remove the glove box. To do this, remove everything from your glove box, then disassemble it by unscrewing the screws holding it in place and gently pulling it out of its housing.

Step 2: Install the new cabin air filter

To access the cabin air filter, first open and remove the cover. This will allow you to easily remove your cabin air filter. Note: As you may have noticed, there are several models of filters available. Make sure the new one matches the one you removed.

If they're the same, you can proceed with the installation. However, prior to installation, spray the new cabin air filter and ducts with an antibacterial product, then place the new filter in its housing.

Step 3: Reinstall the Glove Box

Now that you've installed your new cabin air filter, you're ready to reinstall the glove box. Remember to follow the same procedure you used to remove it. Place your items back in the glove box.

If the cabin air filter is located directly in the engine compartment, the process is much easier. All you have to do is open the hood and remove the cover to remove the cabin air filter.

From there, you can follow the same procedure to spray and install the cabin air filter. When you're done, you can replace or close the cover and then the hood. And that's it, you've changed your cabin air filter!

How much does a new cabin air filter cost?

The price of a new cabin air filter depends on the type of vehicle and the type of filter. Cabin air filters can range from a few dollars for basic models to several tens of dollars for top-of-the-line models. That's why it's important to find out how much cabin air filters cost before you buy.

Now you know how to change your car's cabin air filter! If you can't or don't want to do it yourself, don't panic: replacing the cabin air filter is quick and inexpensive.