Replacing the passenger cabin air filter is just a matter of swapping the old for the new, and they usually aren't hard to get to, so it's not common to run into any issues while replacing one. It is a good practice to dust, or vacuum out the area where the filter sits to ensure there's no dirt in the area.
If your filter is beneath the windshield it's very important that you replace any cover correctly so that the waterproof seal remains intact. If the filter gets wet it will quickly become moldy and the car will smell damp. An improperly sealed cover could even lead to water leaking into the car itself and soaking the carpets.
So take your time, and make sure any seal is in good order when you replace the filter.
What tools do you need to change a cabin air filter?
A lot of cabin air filters can be accessed without any tools - often they are held in place by clips.
You may have to use a screwdriver to pop off the clips, or pry open the cover, but they are invariably simple to remove and replace - once you've located them that is!
Discover how to replace the pollen filter on your car!
How to make your cabin air filter last longer
Replacing the filter often protects the interior of the car from dust, pollen, and odors. One way to keep the filter clean longer is to avoid letting debris and dirt build up in the exterior air intake, often on the cowl near the windshield wipers.
How long should a cabin air filter last?
You'll find that most manufacturers recommend cabin air filters be swapped for fresh new ones every 15K miles, or every year whichever comes first.
If you do a lot of dusty rural driving it will probably surprise you just how much dirt the filter traps. If you don’t know if it needs replacing it's not a bad idea to identify where yours is and check its condition. Unless it's clean and looks recent, swap it for a new one.
How much does it cost to replace a cabin air filter yourself?
Luckily cabin air pollen filters are cheap, with the majority costing about $10. An activated carbon filter may cost twice that - but they are still cheap considering their effectiveness.
