How to Replace the Car's Cabin Air Filter?
4 Answers
Simply open the glove compartment and unhook the small latch on the right side. Pinch both sides of the glove compartment inward to remove it, revealing the cabin air filter housing. Release the clips on both sides to slide it out. Below is relevant information about the cabin air filter: 1. Functions: (1) Ensures the filter fits tightly against the housing, preventing unfiltered air from entering the cabin. (2) Separates solid impurities from the air such as dust, pollen, and abrasive particles. (3) Adsorbs moisture, soot, ozone, odors, carbon oxides, SO2, CO2, etc., from the air, with strong and long-lasting moisture adsorption. (4) Prevents car windows from fogging up, ensuring clear visibility and driving safety for passengers; provides fresh air to the cabin, preventing occupants from inhaling harmful gases and ensuring driving safety; effectively sterilizes and deodorizes. (5) Maintains clean cabin air free from bacterial growth, creating a healthy environment; effectively separates solid impurities like dust, filter powder, and abrasive particles from the air; effectively blocks pollen, ensuring passengers do not experience allergic reactions that could affect driving safety. 2. Maintenance: If the filter is dirty, clean it by blowing compressed air from the reverse side. Hold the air gun about 5cm away from the filter and blow at 500kPa pressure for approximately 2 minutes. The cabin air filter easily collects a lot of dust; simply use compressed air to blow away loose dust. Never wash it with water, as this can easily render it unusable.
I'm a veteran taxi driver with over 20 years of experience, and I often change the cabin air filter myself because it's a simple and hassle-free job. Usually located behind the glove compartment on the passenger side, you can remove it by opening the compartment door and giving it a firm push or twisting the clips to release it, then pulling out the filter housing. When removing the old filter, pay attention to the arrow direction and make sure the new filter is inserted the same way, otherwise the filtration efficiency will be compromised. As for tools, a Phillips screwdriver is usually sufficient, and most car models don't require specialized equipment. I make it a habit to replace it every year or every 20,000 kilometers, especially before summer, to keep the AC air fresh and reduce dust and odors. Don't skimp on the filter—brands like Mann or Bosch with activated carbon are better at filtering pollen and bacteria, which helps prevent stuffiness during long drives. The whole process can be done in as little as ten minutes. Don't forget to test the AC after replacement to ensure everything works properly. Doing it yourself saves on repair shop costs and allows you to check for other minor issues, like blocked ducts, which is good for long-term car maintenance.
As a DIY enthusiast, I absolutely love changing the air conditioning filter myself—it's both cost-effective and rewarding. For most cars, the filter is located under the glove compartment on the passenger side; simply remove it—some models have clips that can be easily pried open. After pulling out the filter housing, discard the old one and replace it with a new one, making sure the arrow points in the direction of airflow to avoid reducing filtration efficiency. Tools are hardly needed—just your hands or a simple wrench, no special equipment required. When purchasing, I recommend activated carbon or HEPA filters for better dust and allergen capture. A replacement every 15,000 km or annually is sufficient. Remember to turn off the engine and AC before starting—the whole process takes less than five minutes. A quick tip: buying filters online is cheaper, but check your car model beforehand to avoid wrong sizes. This keeps your cabin air fresh year-round, reduces pollution from open windows, boosts summer driving comfort, and gives you a chance to clean around the blower to prevent odors.
From a safety perspective, I often remind myself to change the cabin air filter as it directly affects the air quality inside the vehicle. Accumulated dust, pollen, and bacteria can make breathing uncomfortable, especially for those with allergies. The replacement process is simple: locate the filter position behind the glove box, remove the old one, and install the new one with the arrow pointing correctly to avoid reverse installation. Usually, no tools are needed for this DIY task, but ensure the air conditioning is turned off before proceeding. It's recommended to replace it every 20,000 kilometers or annually, opting for high-quality filters with high filtration rates to maintain good air circulation. Regular checks can prevent odor buildup, especially during long drives where fatigue might set in. These simple steps help protect your family's health and reduce the risk of respiratory issues.
