
Here are the steps to replace the Santana's cabin air filter: 1. Remove the outer contact cover: Unscrew the central screw of the cover with a screwdriver, then push the upper and lower edges of the cover toward the front of the vehicle to remove it. 2. Remove the cover under the steering wheel: The cover is made of black plastic and is located above the foot pedals, below the steering column. It is an irregularly shaped horizontal panel. Near the driver's side edge, there are two large round clips—rotate them 180 degrees to release. Loosen the edges of the panel and remove it entirely. 3. Open the side cover of the cabin air filter: There is a screw in the center of the cabin air filter cover. Unscrew it, then gently pry open the small clip slot below the cover and pull it outward to open. 4. Replace the cabin air filter: Pull the old filter out horizontally. Note that the cabin air filter has a specific direction—ensure it is not installed backward.

I really enjoy DIY car repairs and often change the air conditioning filter for my Santana. It's not a difficult operation. Get into the passenger seat, open the glove compartment, and you'll find a hidden panel or screw-fixed section at the back. Use a regular Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws or pry open the clips, then gently take out the old filter from the exposed slot, paying attention to the airflow direction indicated by the arrow to avoid mistakes. When inserting the new filter, make sure the arrow points inward—don’t install it backward, as this affects filtration efficiency. The whole process takes about ten minutes, and the tools required are simple—just a screwdriver or a bit of hand strength. I recommend changing it every 5,000 kilometers or every six months, especially during autumn and winter. Using an activated carbon filter is even better—it absorbs odors, reduces dust, and makes the air from the AC fresher while also helping with allergies. DIY saves you the cost of a dealership visit, and choosing a branded filter offers great value—simple and affordable vehicle maintenance.

As a Santana owner who uses it for daily commuting, I pay close attention to the air hygiene inside the car. The method for replacing the cabin air filter is quite straightforward: Simply move to the passenger seat and pull out the glove box. Behind it, there's a panel in that area—carefully remove the securing screws or clips to reveal the filter compartment. When pulling out the old filter, note the direction of the arrow; when installing the new one, align the arrow with the airflow to avoid reversing it! This step is quick and stress-free. Remember to perform the replacement with the car parked and turned off to prevent any accidents. All you need is a Phillips screwdriver. Replacing the filter every 6,000 kilometers offers significant benefits, effectively filtering out pollen and dust to avoid unpleasant odors that can cause respiratory discomfort. In the past, prolonged use of the AC would produce odd smells, but replacing the filter solved the issue. Sticking to regular maintenance ensures the car remains durable and provides a comfortable driving experience.

I'm a newbie who just learned this. Changing the air filter in the Santana is really simple. Sit on the passenger side and open the glove box. There's a cover at the back that needs to be removed—take out the screws and move it aside. Then pull out the old filter, noting the arrow direction; insert the new filter with the arrow facing inward—don't get it wrong. The whole process is quick and doesn't require any major tools. Replacing the filter every few months helps prevent musty smells and keeps the air clean—it's great.


