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How to Replace Your Car's Cabin Air Filter

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Know the symptoms of a clogged filter

    When a cabin filter gets clogged with dust, airflow weakens and you may notice a musty smell when you turn on the AC or heater.

  2. Know the typical replacement interval

    It's generally recommended to replace the cabin filter once or twice a year, or roughly every 10,000-15,000 km, and more often if you regularly drive in areas with heavy dust or pollution.

  3. Find the filter's location

    The cabin filter is usually located behind the glove box on the passenger side. Open the glove box and release the side tabs so it swings down, giving you access to the filter housing.

  4. Replace it yourself

    Pull out the old filter, note the airflow direction arrow printed on it, and insert the new filter facing the same direction before closing the glove box back up.

  5. Pay extra attention during high-pollution seasons

    During seasons with heavy dust or air pollution, the filter can clog faster than usual, so checking it once more around that time helps maintain good indoor air quality.

A Part That Directly Affects Your Air Quality

The cabin filter screens out dust and exhaust particles before outside air enters the cabin. If it isn't replaced regularly, the filter itself can become a source of odor. It's also a relatively inexpensive part, so replacing it yourself can save on labor costs.

Check Your Tire Wear While You're At It

While you're replacing your cabin filter, it's worth also looking into how to check your tire wear. Keeping both in mind helps with overall vehicle upkeep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I never replace the filter?

A clogged filter reduces airflow and can produce a musty or moldy smell, and in severe cases it can put extra strain on the AC system.

Can every car be serviced this way at home?

Many vehicles have the filter housing right behind the glove box, making a DIY swap easy, but some models have a different layout where it may be more convenient to have a shop handle it.