How To Change A Cabin Air Filter

Checking Your Car’s Cabin Air Filter

Do you commute through traffic every day on the drive to work?

Even with the windows wound up, pollution and pollen can still get into your car through the air vents if the cabin air filter isn’t in good condition. Luckily, it’s a super-easy fix in most cars, and replacement cabin air filters are inexpensive.

Why Replace The Cabin Air Filter?

The cabin air filter stops dust, pollen and bacteria from entering your car. Replacing the cabin air filter is a good idea if you suffer from allergies, asthma or driver fatigue. As well as removing pollen from the air, the cabin air filter also reduces the exhaust pollution from the vehicles around you.

Replacing the cabin air filter will also help minimise the load on your car’s air conditioning system. When an old filter becomes clogged with dust and pollen, the air conditioner has to work harder to pump air from outside into the cabin through the restricted filter. Replacing the filter regularly will help to extend the life of your car’s air conditioner.

A clogged cabin air filter can also contribute window fogging problems which could be a safety hazard. Changing the filter regularly is a relatively small cost which can help make being inside your car a better experience for both the driver and passengers.

Can I Replace The Cabin Air Filter Myself?

Yes. In many popular vehicles, the cabin air filter is easy to change without tools. Watch this video, or read below for step by step guide to installing your new cabin air filter.

 

If your cabin air filter is in a hard to reach spot, you might prefer to contact one of our friendly specialist technicians to help.

How To Change The Cabin Air Filter:

1. Find the cabin air filter

Most car models have the cabin air filter located behind the glove box. There are exceptions to this where the cabin air filter is found underneath the dashboard. If this is the case, there should be a small access door to open to reach the filter, often located in the driver’s or passenger’s footwell.

Check your car manual to find out where your car’s cabin filter is located.

If the cabin air filter is located behind the glove box in your car, you’ll need to empty the glove box to get started.

You may need a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the glove box hinges, or in some models, you can squeeze the glove box to unclip it from the hinges. Then slide the glove box out to access the filter tray.

2. Remove the old cabin filter

Slide the cabin air filter tray carefully out of the slot. Be careful not to scatter dust from the filter through the car. Take note of the direction of the pleats so you can install the new filter in the same direction.

3. Replace a new cabin air filter

Remove the old filter from the filter tray and replace it with the new cabin air filter. Slide the tray back into place. You can then re-fit the glove box and replace the glove box contents.

Now you know how to replace the cabin air filter.

Which Is Better: Pollen or Activated Carbon Cabin Air Filters?

cabin air filters

Either a pollen cabin air filter or an activated carbon cabin air filter will effectively keep your vehicle free from harmful pollution. Both filter types remove pollen, fungus, dust & dirt, bacteria, soot, and other small particulate matter. Activated carbon filters can also remove odours from the air entering the vehicle, which is an extra benefit.

Where To Buy A Cabin Air Filter

You can purchase a new cabin air filter from any auto parts store, including your local Natrad store. Cabin air filters come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but a Natrad technician can help you select the right one for your vehicle.

If your cabin air filter is in a tricky spot, a technician can help you to replace it with a fresh cabin air filter.