Are you breathing filtered air in your vehicle?
Since the early 2000’s, car manufacturers have been installing a cabin air filter to filter the air that comes into the passenger compartment. This is the air that comes through your vents, and the cabin air filter filters out dirt, dust and debris.
These filters became common in most vehicles around 2007, so if your vehicle is a 2007 or newer, there is a good chance you have one!
This cabin air filter came out of a vehicle that is regularly parked under a large pine tree.
When was the last time you checked your cabin air filter?
Cabin air filters are often an overlooked item. Most basic inspections at an automotive shop include checking this filter. If you’re unsure the last time it was checked, experiencing musty smells, or having trouble with allergies in your vehicle, it might be time to check your cabin air filter.
Where is your cabin air filter located?
In most vehicles, the cabin air filter can be found behind the glove box. If your vehicle features this location, you can check it by doing the following:
Open the glove box.
Optional: Empty the glove box of its contents. Not all, but most glove boxes will flip all the way down once loosened, and spill everything onto the floor.
Locate the tabs on either side of the glove box. The will be resting behind the plastic that surrounds the glove box.
Push in the sides of the glove box on either side until you are able to slide the tabs past the plastic they rest against when open. (note: some vehicles may have a clip to remove the tab rather than flexing the glove box to pull the tabs forward)
Locate and remove/open the cabin air filter door. This will look like a long, skinny plastic cover, and will sit horizontally.
Remove the cabin air filter by pulling it out of the opening (note: if you can see there is a lot of debris such as leaves sitting on top of the filter, be careful to not scrape the debris off as you pull the filter out. This can cause a noise when the blower motor is on, and typically will need to go to a shop to be cleaned out if you do not have access to an air compressor and nozzle)
For reinstallation or installation of a new cabin air filter, simply reverse the steps
For those with a cabin air filter not located behind the glove box, there are a couple of other locations you may be able to find it. One that is common to Nissan vehicles is vehicle a long, skinny door that sits vertically down by the front passenger floor. This style can be a little tricky when it come to removing and installing the filter. This is because the filter is larger than the opening. As a tip, I recommend pinching the filter during removal and installation. Knowing this ahead of time, could save you some frustration!
The third location is common to older (very early 2000s) GM vehicles such as Cadillac. These cabin air filters are found in the cowl. First, if you are unfamiliar with the cowl, this is the plastic trim that sits under/around the windshield wipers, running the length of the windshield, and is also tucked slightly under the hood. For cabin air filters located under the cowl, you will find an access door within the cowl on the passenger side.
Which type of cabin air filter should you purchase?
When it comes to auto parts, you may find there are different brands and/or versions of the same part. This can be overwhelming with so many options to choose from. One thing I will say, is that while the cabin air filter surely makes a difference in the air quality we breathe, it is not critical to the overall function and safety of the vehicle. With that being said, it really all comes down to what your needs or preferences are when it comes to the function of the cabin air filter.
The three main types of filters are standard, charcoal activated and HEPA/premium. Let’s go over the benefits of each type:
Standard: Even the most standard, entry level cabin air filter will collect pollen, dust and debris. If you are looking for a more economical option, these tend to be the least expensive option.
Charcoal activated: By now, you’ve probably come across at least a few charcoal activated products. This option provides the same benefits as a standard cabin air filter while providing a boosted step against odors.
HEPA/premium: While these cabin air filters also provide the same benefits as the standard option, they are designed to filter out even finer particles by using an enhanced design of materials. These are a great option for people who experience allergies from outdoor elements. (Bonus tip: to help minimize your allergies while in the vehicle, you can also use the recirculate function to prevent outside air from being continuously drawn in)
How often should you be checking my cabin air filter?
Checking your cabin air filter every oil change is a great habit to have. Some people may find they only need to replace their cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, while others may find they need to change theirs more frequently. Some of the conditions that affect how often you need to change your cabin air filter are things such as:
Driving in dusty conditions (dirt/gravel roads, deserts, dry/rocky terrain)
City driving (cities generally have more concentrated emissions)
Parking under trees (trees drop leaves, seeds, flowers and needles onto your vehicle)
What if you’d like someone to come out to help you with this?
If you happen to be in the Portland, OR or surrounding area, I offer mobile mechanic services. You can avoid the trip into the shop, and have your vehicle serviced from the comfort of your own home!
Feel free to send me a message!
Have more questions?
If you have more questions regarding cabin air filters or other maintenance items, you can find me on TikTok! Feel free to tag me in a post, or comment your questions on one of my videos.