How Are Cabin Air Filters Made?
Most cabin air filters are made of filter media and formed in the shape of a panel. The non-woven media is generally folded into pleats to better catch the contaminants. Some cabin air filters are pressed or molded shapes with non-woven media.
How to Replace you Cabin Air Filter
You may want to have the technician install a new cabin air filter as you’re having other maintenance performed on your vehicle. However, if you do your own maintenance, you’re more than capable of replacing your cabin air filter by yourself. No special tools are required and it’s easier than an oil change on most vehicles. Just follow these steps:
- Start by purchasing an OEM quality filter
- Use your service manual to locate the cabin air filter. Your manual may also have more detailed instructions concerning removal and replacement of the cabin air filter
- If your cabin air filter is behind your glove box, remove the fasteners holding the glove box in the dash. If your filter is not near the glove box, consult your service manual for removal and replacement instructions
- Wiggle the glove box free just enough to expose the filter housing
- Remove the soiled filter and replace it with a new one
- Reinstall your glove box
After replacing your cabin air filter, you may notice that your heating and air conditioning blow harder through the vents than they did before. If you’ve experienced symptoms of allergies while driving, you may notice your symptoms go away or lessen after the filter has been changed.
Most manufacturers recommend removal and replacement of your cabin air filter once a year or after 12,000 to 15,000 miles of driving. However, this is just a rough guideline. If you routinely drive in places with poor air quality, like the desert where it’s dusty or urban areas with smog, you may need to replace your cabin air filter more frequently.