How to Change the Cabin Air Filter

As unpleasant as it is to experience a hot summer day in the car without air conditioning, most people don’t think much about their car’s AC system until it stops working. Many of us would be surprised if the cabin airflow suddenly began to fade; luckily, some standard maintenance can help prevent this. Replacing your cabin air filter is a routine car maintenance task that any mechanic can perform for you, but it can’t hurt to learn how to do it yourself.

What is a cabin air filter, and what does it do?

Learning how to change your cabin air filter starts with knowing what a cabin air filter is. The cabin air filter is a screen of multifiber paper, cotton or other engineered material that filters contaminants out of air entering the cabin. It helps ensure that you and your passengers are breathing clean air, free of fine particulates such as pollen and dust. [1] The filter gradually collects more and more contaminants over time, eventually causing it to clog and need replacing. [2]

Bad cabin air filter symptoms

There are several signs that it could be time to change your filter:

• A musty odor in the cabin
• Weak airflow from vents
• A fogged windshield and windows
• A whistling sound or more noticeable noise from the fan [1]

Where is the cabin air filter located in the car?

The cabin air filter is located directly behind the glove box in most vehicles. Some are built so that you can change the air filter with the glove box still in place, but many require you to remove it completely to access the filter. In other vehicles, the air filter is under the hood. Your owner’s manual will have information on where your air filter is and how to remove it. [2]

How to change the cabin air filter

Step 1: Access the filter

First, you’ll have to get to the filter to change it. For these instructions, we’ll assume your filter is located behind the glove box. Consult your owner’s manual to determine whether the glove box needs to be removed. If it does, you may need a screwdriver. Otherwise, you’ll be able to remove it by pressing down on a couple of tabs. [2]

Step 2: Remove the old filter

Remove your old filter and clean the area of any debris or dust that comes off it. You may want to put on protective eyewear and put down a mat or cloth in preparation. Take note of the old filter’s orientation (tip: take a photo on your phone) so you know how the new filter should be inserted. [2]

Step 3: Install the new filter

Insert the new filter, using the position of the old filter for reference. The filter will usually have arrows indicating airflow direction. After the new filter is in position, replace your glove box. [2]

How often should you change your cabin air filter?

Cabin air filters should generally be changed every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, but your owner’s manual will be able to give you more detailed guidelines. [2] Filters also accumulate more particulates the more they are used, so if you live in a very hot or very cold climate and frequently run your vehicle’s fan, you may find that you need to replace it more often.

Continue to perform regular car maintenance

Replacing your cabin air filter on a regular basis is an important part of auto maintenance, much like changing your oil. Performing this and other routine maintenance helps keep your vehicle running as efficiently as possible. 

It’s always best to expect the unexpected, too. Keeping your car properly insured is vital. Get a free quote from Nationwide or talk to an independent agent to learn how auto insurance can help protect you and your vehicle.