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Change your cabin air filter every 15k-30k miles to keep the air in your car clean. Let’s not drag this on any more than necessary, it’s one of the most overlooked parts of car maintenance.
How many people forget they even have a cabin air filter? It’s so easy to replace, and you don’t need to take it to a shop because it’s easy to change.
Just bought an old vehicle and it has a funny smell? Replace the cabin air filter, it’s probably got an old one in it that has never been replaced. These things pick up mold, bacteria, dust, pollen, etc. If the cabin air filter is dirty then so is the air coming out of your AC system.
Once the cabin air filter becomes clogged it will affect the performance of your AC system. Soon, you’ll notice it’s not working properly. The air flow will become restricted and it won’t work to keep you cool on a hot day.
Make an attempt to check your cabin filter every time you perform an oil change. Definitely check it at the 15k mile mark. Each vehicle is different so check the owner’s manual for more information regarding the cabin air filter on your car.
How to Replace the Cabin Air Filter
Check the owner’s manual in your car for the exact location of your cabin air filter. You can also check YouTube or browse the web for guides on your specific car.
In most vehicles, you will find the cabin air filter behind the glove box, but some are under the hood. The most challenging location for a cabin air filter would be under the dashboard. Although you can usually remove a plastic panel and access it relatively quickly.
It’s recommended to wear a mask and gloves, as removing the old filter will cause dust to enter the air. As we said before, the old air filter is likely clogged with pollen, mold, and a ton of dust. If you have allergies, it might make you sneeze a few times.
Before putting the new air filter in, clean up the housing so the new filter will have a clean home.
Suspect mice have been in your car? Definitely check the cabin air filter, but be prepared. It’s not uncommon for people to find dead mice and entire nesting areas in the air filter housing.
Where to buy a new cabin air filter…
You can buy a new cabin air filter from Walmart, Amazon, NAPA, Autozone, or any other major parts store.
If you’re going to Walmart, you will find the FRAM branded filters. Look up which FRAM filter is made for your car at their website before you go in the store.
Amazon has almost every brand of cabin air filter on the market, making it easier to compare your options. For any other brand go to Amazon and select your vehicle to find the right cabin air filter.
NAPA, Autozone and other parts stores will be able to help you find the right cabin air filter. Just walk in and ask which ones they have available for your vehicle.
Cabin air filters are cheap! It’s a quick, cheap way to get rid of stinky air coming from your AC system. It makes the air in your car safer to breathe, and it doesn’t have to be changed as often as your oil.
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