Routine Car Maintenance: Cabin Filter

One thing that is required of any vehicle that you own is routine maintenance. Routine maintenance varies from changing your oil and oil filter, to changing your spark plugs and so on. Routine maintenance is required at different intervals for different vehicles. Performing routine maintenance assure that your vehicle will operate as expected for years to come.

Many routine maintenance items are often overlooked. This article covers one such item, your cabin filter. By changing your cabin filter yourself, you will save a significant amount of money over dealership fees.

In order to change your cabin filter, you will first have to purchase a replacement cabin filter. Most cabin filters are less than $30 and are available at most auto parts stores. The cabin filter filters all incoming air that circulates through the interior of the vehicle through the heating and cooling system. If you car has not had the cabin filter replaced at regular intervals, then this filter is likely clogged and restricting both heat and air conditioning output. The filter may also be circulating foul odors throughout your car. Most manufacturers recommend replacement of the cabin filter every year.

Once you have purchased the cabin filter, you will have to locate the cabin filter in your vehicle. Your owner's manual should describe the location of your existing cabin filter. They are usually located either behind the glove box, or in the engine compartment. Refer to you manual for specifics on your vehicle.

Once you have located your cabin filter, you may have to remove some item to gain access to the filter. Your glove box is likely held in by several screws that will need to be removed. Take your time and make sure that you remove every screw. Once you have gained access to the housing for the cabin filter it usually snap open and you will see the old filter. Remove the old filter and examine its condition. Chances are that it is very dirty.

Place the new cabin filter into the housing and close the housing. Reassemble any components that you had to remove and you have completed the job of replacing your cabin filter.