Cabin air filters are vital to making your vehicle a more pleasant and healthier place to be. Ignoring your cabin air filter fills your car with weird smells and nasty allergens. It also makes your AC and heat system less efficient.
Let’s take a look at what a cabin air filter does and how often it should be replaced.
What the Cabin Air Filter Does
It’s easy to see the difference when comparing old and new cabin air filters.
All car HVAC systems have vents that filter out big stuff like leaves. However, without a cabin air filter, small particulates are free to flow into the car.
That means pollen, exhaust fumes, dust, dirt, allergens, and other nasty things flow through the vents as quickly as your car sucks in air. Some cars make do without cabin air filters, but cars built in the last 20 years or so usually have them. If your car doesn’t have a cabin filter, you might never notice. But if your car is equipped with a filter and it gets clogged, you’ll quickly experience the difference.
Symptoms of a Bad Cabin Air Filter
Once you see a dirty cabin air filter, you’ll understand why preventive maintenance is the way to go.
Cabin air filters go bad gradually, so it may take time to notice that yours needs to be replaced. You might notice lingering musty smells in your car or reduced performance from your HVAC. You might experience allergy symptoms during or after driving.
When the cabin air filter gets clogged, it blocks airflow through the vents. The car takes longer to cool down and heat up, thanks to the reduced airflow. You might hear the AC and ventillation system working harder than normal.
The best practice to avoid these issues is to inspect the filter at least once a year.
How Long Cabin Air Filters Last
Leaf particles and other debris can get caked on a dirty cabin air filter.
Most manufacturers recommend replacing the filter between 10,000 and 15,000 miles. Like engine air filters and motor oil, cabin air filters wear out regularly. They should be part of a basic maintenance schedule.
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If you have a long commute in dusty conditions or drive in an area where seasonal allergies are a big deal, your cabin air filter can wear out quickly. The same applies if you live in an urban area with consistently low air quality.
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If your car sits somewhere that is damp, or you suspect that rodents or insects have intruded into your vehicle, the filter can get nasty regardless of your driving habits. In these cases, replacing the filter annually is good practice.
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Likewise, if you just bought a used car and you aren’t sure when or if the filter has been changed, it’s cheap insurance to replace the filter.
However, if you live in a dry climate, don’t drive a lot of miles, and garage your car, you might get more mileage out of a cabin air filter.
Replacing Your Cabin Air Filter
Check the owners manual for your vehicle to learn where to access the cabin air filter.
The cabin air filter is usually located behind the glovebox or under the dashboard in an easy-to-reach place. Your owner’s manual provides details about your vehicle’s car’s cabin air filter location.
Inspecting or changing the filter should be as simple as locating the filter, removing the clips or screws that hold it in, and sliding the filter out. This is a very easy DIY job, even for novices.
What does it cost to replace your cabin air filter?
If you do the work yourself, expect to pay between $15 and $30 for all the necessary items.
Cabin air filter replacement might be recommended the next time your car goes in for service. Remember, the job is a piece of cake, so you can save money by doing it yourself. Even if a shop puts in the new cabin air filter, the work should be affordable.
Whether you service your car yourself or not, put in a new cabin air filter about once a year—or every 10,000 to 15,000 miles. It’s simple, cheap, and makes a huge difference to breathe fresh air in the cabin.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.
