There are parts of a vehicle that even the most seasoned motorheads can overlook. The cabin air filter is one of them. But, this vital component is in charge of more than you might think.
Without a cabin air filter, pollen and dust would pollute the air inside your car. Unpleasant odors would greet you every time you hop in to go for a ride. If you notice a decreased airflow inside your four-wheeled partner, it’s time to replace your cabin filter. Here’s how, and all you need are a few screwdrivers.
Out With the Old, in With the New: Change Your Air Cabin Filter in 15 Minutes or Less
We recommend seeking advice from a professional mechanic when your car needs maintenance. Still, you can always save your hard-earned cash and DIY those tasks that only take a couple of minutes and need virtually zero tools.
To change your cabin air filter, all you need is to buy the replacement and dust off your set of screwdrivers.
Locating the Cabin Air Filter in Your Vehicle
Most cars have the cabin air filter situated behind the glove box. Always check the owner’s service manual to confirm. Sometimes this tiny pleated unit can rest somewhere else in the dashboard or the engine bay.
How Often Should You Change Your Filter?
Your owner’s manual should give you a mileage estimate for calculating when it’s time to change your cabin air filter. A good rule of thumb is to replace it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or once a year. Between us, most drivers keep their original cabin filter for ages.
A clogged cabin air filter might cause more issues than you realize. It reduces the furnace’s efficiency, which affects your vehicle’s heating and cooling system. Don’t be surprised if you start noticing lower gas mileage as well.
Driving in places with poor air quality might cause a considerable strain on your filter too. You’ll need to replace it more often than someone who lives in secluded, open-air locations. People who live in the desert are the exception to the rule. The dust accumulation in their filters requires more frequent attention.
Steps to Change a Cabin Air Filter
Once you’ve located your cabin air filter, changing it should be pretty easy. Don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable doing the job yourself. You can always find a seasoned technician to take care of the swap for you.
If you’re confident you can do it, just follow these few simple steps:
Step 1: Unscrew the Glove Box Hinges
To access your cabin filter, you’ll need to get the glove box out of the way first. You can find a more detailed explanation in your owner’s manual. Still, you can’t go wrong by simply unfastening the junctures using your screwdrivers. It’s always a good idea to have a set of Phillips and slotted screwdrivers on hand in case of different screw types.
Step 2: Remove the Glove Box
Press on both sides of the glove box, front and back, squeezing them toward each other while tilting the piece down. The side clamps should release and allow you to take the glove box out of the socket. You now have access to the air filter tray.
Step 3: Slide out the Filter Tray
By lifting the latches on each side of the faceplate, you should be able to open up the filter compartment. All you’ll have to do now is pull out the old filter. Try not to scatter the dirt all over your vehicle as you do this.
Step 4: Check Installation Details
Pay attention to the direction the arrows on the tray are pointing to. You’ll need to match it when you slide the new filter in. It needs to take the same position the old one had. If you notice some debris stayed behind inside of the compartment, wipe it out to avoid premature clogging.
Step 5: Slip the New Air Filter Into Place
Make sure it doesn’t stick out or get stuck in an odd position. Once it’s in its where it’s supposed to be, snap it in. Place your glove box back where it belongs, and secure it with your screwdriver. Close it, and you’re all set!
Final Remarks
Changing your air cabin air filter yourself will save you time and money. This easy DIY project requires very little skill and typically just one tool. If you need a reliable set of screwdrivers tough enough for professional mechanics, Capri Tools has a wide selection. Visit our store today.