How Often Do I Change My Cabin Air Filter?

Your cabin air filter plays a huge role in your everyday comfort, so it’s important to maintain it properly. How often to change a cabin air filter will vary from driver to driver, but on average, most auto experts suggest changing your cabin air filter about every 15,000 miles. Learn what does an air filter do and find out the warning signs that you need a replacement with help from Automotive Avenues, and breathe easy on those Toms River travels!

What Does a Cabin Air Filter Do?

Let’s start with “What does a cabin air filter do?” Your air filter removes airborne pollutants like dirt, pollen, and dust as they circulate through your cabin. More specifically, It cleans the air before these pollutants enter your ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems. But, there’s a limit to how much your filter can hold. It becomes clogged with particles and can no longer clean your air effectively over time.

Do I Need a Cabin Air Filter Replacement?

We mentioned how often to change your cabin air filter, but the truth is that some drivers will need to change their filter more often. Your filter can clog quickly on the Trenton roads, especially if you drive around areas with construction or dirt trails with lots of dust. Here are some signs that your filter isn’t working at its peak:

• When your climate control systems are active, you don’t feel much air flow.
• You notice dust settling across your dashboard and other surfaces.
• Odors tend to linger longer than usual.

How To Change a Cabin Air Filter

While you can head to a service center to schedule a cabin air filter change, many Howell Township drivers prefer to do the work themselves. Here’s a brief overview of what to do:

1. Look through your owner’s manual to see where the filter is located.
2. If the filter is near the glove box or hood, it will be easy to access. If it is under the dashboard, this might be more challenging. 
3. Put on a pair of gloves and a mask when removing the dirty air filter to protect yourself from dust. 
4. Place the old filter in a garbage bag, and replace it with a new OEM filter.
5. Enjoy your fresh air!

How Much Does Changing a Cabin Air Filter Cost?

Will replacing your air filter break your budget? Cabin air filter cost can vary, but most run around $35 to $100. If you have a new car, the cost might even be covered under your warranty. But either way, it’s a small price to pay for a clean cabin!

Learn More Car Care Tips with Automotive Avenues

The team at Automotive Avenues can give you even more service tips to keep your car in top shape, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us with your questions! We’re located in Wall, and we’re here for all of your automotive needs. Contact us to learn more.