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While as little as 20 years ago, cabin air filters were only found in higher end cars, today pretty much anything on four wheels has one of these paper elements to help keep air-borne impurities out. Heading into colder weather means you should consider the cabin air filter replacement cost that you may have to incur. It’s a good idea to get the cabin filter inspected and changed as required because when they become clogged; the resulting loss of a vehicle’s HVAC air flow can drastically reduce the effectiveness of the windshield’s defrosting feature.
What is a cabin air filter and what does it do?
Cabin air filters are basically a pleated paper filter, treated to grab dust particles out of the cabin air intake before they can get to the dash and floor vents and up your nose. They’re very much like a miniature version of a home forced-air system filter.
Average cabin air filter replacement cost
The filter itself will usually cost between $10 and $20 for an aftermarket version. Some original manufacturers’ units can be priced higher.
Don’t buy into any hypoallergenic labels at higher prices. The HVAC systems on even the most expensive rides are not airtight, much like the vehicles there are found in, so having a ‘better’ filter won’t bring any improvement to the interior air quality. If it’s an easy, no tools or contortionist skills required swap, most shops won’t charge for installing a new filter when combined with another service such as an oil change. But ask first. Some cars require real work just to find the filter.
Dirty cabin air filter symptoms
The loss of air flow through the dash, floor, or defrost vents can be a clue, but usually this reduction is very gradual making it hard to notice. Sometimes you’ll get a stale or musty odour from dust and mildew on the filter, but other HVAC components can deliver similar symptoms. The only definitive way to tell is to take the cabin filter out and examine it. Unlike engine air filters, which come with different colours of filtration material, cabin air filters usually range from white to off-white. Any darkness to their hue or visible signs of contamination such as dust, grit, or fluff are signs that a replacement is needed.
How often to change cabin air filter?
It’s not a matter of time or distance travelled but how dirty the air you drive through is. Driving on paved roads in regions with little air pollution could see a cabin air filter last months or years. If you regularly tour down gravel lanes or in areas ravaged by forest fires, you may need one every month. They should be checked at each oil change service.
How to change cabin air filter
The specifics for each different make and model differ slightly, but for most mainstream rides the filter is accessed behind the glove-box. For these, simply open the box, remove everything inside, and with the box lid tipped fully open, squeeze in gently on both side panels at the same time to let the lid clear its stops. This will let the box lid fall completely open, pointing to the floor (the reason why you emptied it first) and then you should be able to see a thin black plastic access panel that will usually open without tools exposing the edge of the filter. Pull it out and replace it. If you see any fluff inside that compartment with the filter removed, grab a vacuum cleaner to get it out before pushing the new filter in.
How to maintain cabin air filters for longevity
Other than avoiding driving on dusty roads or in active forest fire seasons (not terribly practical) there isn’t much a driver can do to lessen the filter’s contamination. Like engine air filters, you can always shake them to remove loose grit, or take a vacuum to them, but considering their cost, replacement is the best option.
FAQs
What happens if there is no cabin air filter?
You may find no filter in your vehicle’s HVAC system, either because it wasn’t equipped with one, or someone removed a dirty, almost plugged filter and didn’t have a replacement at hand. Driving without one will pose no problem to the vehicle, but may irritate more sensitive passenger respiratory systems. In these cases, check with an authorized dealership to find out if there should be a filter and if so, get a replacement. If not, some HVAC systems will accept a filter but some will not; again check with an authorized retailer.
Cabin air filter cost
They range from $10-$20 for aftermarket filters for most applications but some OEM and aftermarket units may cost more.
Is it cheaper to change your own air filters?
Many shops will not charge an installation fee when the service is combined with other work, unless there is major disassembly required for access. It’s best to ask your shop consultant first.
How long does it take to change the cabin air filter?
Usually only a few minutes unless major disassembly is required for access.
Can cabin filter cause AC problems?
Not specifically, but a fully clogged filter will reduce air flow affecting both AC and heater performance.
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