When to Change Your Cabin Air Filter

Cabin air filters clean the incoming air and remove allergens and should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, or per the owner’s manual. The cabin air filter helps trap pollen, bacteria, dust and exhaust gases that may find their way into a vehicle’s air conditioning and heating and ventilation system. This important filter also helps to prevent leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system.

A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause musty odors in the vehicle and cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car than compared to walking down the street. A restricted cabin filter can also impair airflow in the HVAC system, possibly causing interior heating and cooling problems. Over time, this neglect may cause corrosion damage to the heater and air conditioning system.

Most filters are accessible through an access panel in the HVAC housing which may be under the hood or in the interior of the car. An automotive technician can help you locate and replace this filter. Some filters can be removed and replaced using simple hand tools while others require just your hands. Filters should not be cleaned and reinstalled; instead they need to be replaced.