When it comes to keeping your car or truck maintained properly, some of the smallest details apply. This is particularly true of air filters, and in this case, cabin air filters.
Let’s take a look at what these components do, how you identify a potential problem, and what you’ll need to do when it’s time for replacement.
Why You Should Check Your Cabin Air Filter
Aside from the obvious - which is a general goal of keeping your vehicle operating properly - checking and/or changing out the cabin air filter offers a number of practical upsides.
- First, this filter catches and traps dirt and clag, thereby keeping the interior of your vehicle free of noxious odors and unhealthy particulates.
- Second, since the filter is integrated within a vehicle’s climate control system, ensuring a free flow of air through the filter allows for optimal operation when involving engine compressors, interior ducts, vents and fans.
- Third, and believe it or not, at-large engine strain will be minimized. If a climate control component like the AC compressor is being bogged down due to air flow blockage, the engine itself will be bogged down as a consequence.
From air and oil to fuel and cabin air, WIX Filters has the filters you need to keep your engines running smoothly.
Cabin Air Filters Are Critical
Although there are several reasons to change out a cabin air filter, there is a particularly critical issue related to this component – protecting your health. Depending on your location, air quality becomes more concerning when local pollution is an issue.
For example, in California, poor air quality is well understood, so if you’re a daily driver who runs the freeways every day, you’ll nearly always find yourself parked bumper to bumper at rush hour. Consequently, if you have breathing problems such as emphysema, asthma or even just allergies, keeping your car’s cabin air filter clean can mean the difference between breathing effectively versus struggling just to get a puff of air in your lungs.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement
When to replace your cabin air filter is largely determined by how often you use your vehicle. The general rule of thumb is to swap it out every 15,000-30,000 miles, or better yet – once every year. Obviously, if you regularly embark on smog-filled commutes or spend a lot of time on dusty back roads, that timeline could shorten.
Resist the urge to draw out time in between replacements. Even if you use your vehicle sparingly, a once-a-year filter replacement is still good practice, since the simple process of parking in the driveway or garage can trap a surprising amount of dust and pollen.
The year, make, and model (YMM) of your vehicle will also have an effect on how often you should change your cabin air filter, so give that owner’s manual a check next time you’re sitting in traffic.
Symptoms of a Clogged Cabin Air Filter
Sometimes, your vehicle will simply let you know it’s time for a change. If that’s the case, you may notice some of the following symptoms:
Reduced Air Volume – If you turn on your climate system and little or no air is felt, chances are you have a clogged filter.
Odd Odors –The primary reason for a cabin filter is to block dirt or other unpleasant particulates. Consequently, if you smell something weird or musty, change the cabin air filter.
Noisy Fan – If you notice that the fan in your climate system gets louder or you hear a whistling sound, it might be time for replacement.
Condensation – If fog or ice shows up on the edges of the windshield, there’s a chance that the cabin air filter needs replacement.
Dust & Debris – If you can actually see dust and dirt particulates blowing through the vehicle’s air vents and settling on the interior, it’s definitely time for a new cabin air filter.
Professional Versus DIY Replacement
Like most things in life, cabin air filter replacement really comes down to two things: time and money.
If a service professional handles the job, you’ll lose time sitting in the waiting room while your car makes its way to an available service bay. Then, even though the cabin air replacement process shouldn’t take more than a couple of minutes, you’ll still have to wait, as the consultant goes through all of the other service checks typically associated with professional service brands.
On the other hand, if you watch a few YouTube videos and read your owner’s manual, you can do the replacement process yourself in about 30 minutes – all while saving the minimum of $85 that a professional shop will charge you.
Step By Step - The Cabin Air Filter Replacement Process
Replacing a cabin air filter is very straightforward, even for complete novices. Here’s a helpful step-by-step breakdown of the process.
Locate the cabin air filter enclosure.
This area is usually located behind the glove box. However, just be aware that some trucks place this enclosure in the interior walls under the dashboard. Consult your owner’s manual to be sure.
Unfasten and remove the glovebox.
Open the glovebox and clean out the contents. Look along the box’s right side to locate the limiting stop arm, and slide it off the pin. On some models, you may need to remove a screw, unclip a retainer spring or release a thin bungee cord. Gently grasp the glovebox and press on the sides to remove and lower it.
Remove the old cabin filter.
With the glovebox out, you can see the cabin air filter enclosure and its cover. Remove the cover by either unclipping or unscrewing it. Now, simply reach in and pull out the old filter. Do this slowly, so as not to spill dirt, dust, and pollen on your vehicle’s interior.
Additionally, take note of which way the arrows are facing alongside the filter’s edge. You’ll want to install the new one in the same direction.
Check the filter enclosure for any leftover debris. If the filter was very clogged, you may need to wipe out or even vacuum the compartment.
Insert the new filter replacement.
Make sure the new filter matches the old one, and check the arrows are in the correct orientation. Slide the new filter in, ensuring it is placed securely, and reinstall the compartment’s cover.
Replace the glovebox.
Slide the glovebox back into its original position, gently compressing the sides as needed to secure it in place. Slide the limiting stop arm back on the pin, and reinstall any retaining retainer mechanism, i.e., screw/spring/bungee cord. Place your personal items back into the glovebox, close it up, and start enjoying fresher air inside your cabin.