If your vehicle is still under warranty, you may be able to change the filter at an authorized dealer for little or no cost. Replacing a cabin air filter involves removing the old one and installing a new unit in the cabin air cleaner housing. Refer to your car's maintenance manual for information on specific repairs or checks that should accompany your cabin air filter replacement. If you do a lot of off-road driving, live in a dusty area, drive in a city with poor air quality, or drive in an area with a lot of construction, you'll need to clean or replace your cabin air filter more often.
Typically made of paper or foam suspended in a plastic frame, the air filter media traps dirt and debris that enter through the heating and ventilation air inlet. A vehicle's cabin air filter helps remove harmful contaminants, such as pollen and dust, from the air you breathe inside the car. Refer to your owner's manual or repair guide for exactly how often you should replace your specific car's cabin air filter. Some high-end vehicles have activated carbon filters that help eliminate fumes and odors from incoming air.
Unless you're driving your car in a very clean environment, replacing filters when service expires helps keep the air inside the car clean. Manufacturers often recommend that the cabin air filter be replaced alternately with the engine air filter. When you don't change the cabin air filter in time, the filter will become clogged with dirt and debris, effectively reducing system efficiency. The best way to ensure that the air is clean is to change the cabin air filter as often as recommended by the car manufacturer.
Before air can enter the interior of the car, it passes through this filter and traps any contaminants inside the air to prevent them from infiltrating the air you breathe. In your car's owner's manual, you can find mileage marks for recommended cabin air filter changes, although they vary by vehicle type and manufacturer. If you're servicing your vehicle at a repair shop or dealer, the technician might recommend a cabin air filter replacement. This filter is usually located behind the glove compartment and cleans the air as it moves through the vehicle's HVAC system. If you want to keep your car's interior environment clean and healthy, it's important to know how much it costs to change your cabin air filter and how often it should be done. Depending on your vehicle type and manufacturer, replacing a cabin air filter can cost anywhere from $20 to $50.
However, if your vehicle is still under warranty, you may be able to change it at an authorized dealer for little or no cost.
