If your car smells like rotten eggs, you’re not alone. Learn these simple maintenance steps to keep the air in your cabin fresh.
how to replace car air filter
Air filters should be replaced once a year.
Problem solved, reviewed
- Millions of Americans have experienced bad car odors from dirty air filters.
- Cabin air filters are affordable and easy to replace by following the proper instructions.
- To avoid musty smells in your car, replace your cabin air filter before turning up your car’s heat.
Does your car smell? If you notice a strange smell inside your car, there’s no need to worry. You, like millions of other Americans, probably need to replace your cabin air filter. It’s a quick, easy and affordable way to ensure the cleanest possible air inside your car’s cabin.
Seasonal cleaning doesn’t have to be done at home. By performing basic maintenance on your car, you can ensure the safest and most comfortable driving experience possible heading into winter.
What is a cabin air filter?
A cabin air filter is a filter that traps dust, pollen, and pollutants in the air, allowing your vehicle to bring clean air to the cabin. A dirty or moldy cabin air filter can create serious odors and put you at risk of breathing in harmful pollutants. Your local repair shop will be happy to replace this filter during your oil change. On the other hand, if you want to replace your cabin air filter faster and for less money, it’s much easier than most Americans think.
Your car’s cabin air filter should be replaced at least once a year. Additionally, if you plan to turn up the heat while driving this fall and winter, it’s important to clean your filters.
How much does a cabin air filter cost?
A basic cabin air filter costs between $10 and $20. Original equipment manufacturer (car brand) filters tend to be more expensive. Auto mechanics often try to upsell OEM air filters. For most drivers, there won’t be enough of a difference to justify purchasing a more expensive filter, but the choice is yours, especially if you change the filter yourself on your own time.
The easiest way to find the right cabin air filter for your car online is to search for the term “cabin air filter” for your specific year/make/model. For example, according to AutoZone.com, my 2018 Honda Civic EX is compatible with several brands of cabin air filters, including STP ($19.99) and K&N ($44.99). You can have this particular cabin air filter shipped directly to your home, or you can add it to your cart and pick it up at your local AutoZone. Most auto parts stores carry cabin air filters.
Amazon also offers several affordable options from a variety of brands starting at $9.99. So in most cases, you can buy a new cabin air filter for less than $20, and you can save on installation and labor costs by doing it yourself.
How to replace the cabin air filter
The first step is to do a simple web search using your car’s year/make/model to find your cabin air filter. Most cabin air filters are tucked behind the glove box.
If the filter is behind the glove box, carefully remove the glove box completely by applying light pressure to the sides when the glove box is fully open. This pressure will cause the glove box to pop out of place, leaving the filter cover exposed. Set the glove box aside and open the filter.
Once you have access to the filter, delete it completely. New filters include instructions that indicate which side should face the airflow. Then just put the filter cover back on and you’re ready to go. The entire process takes less than a few minutes and can easily save you a few dollars.
