Can I Change My Car’s Cabin Filter At Home?

You know this story well. Your car goes to the shop for a routine job like an oil change or a tire swap, and that’s when the service advisor calls you with a tried and true upsell: the cabin filter.

Dealerships and independent shops alike can often overcharge upwards of $50-100 for the filter itself, an absurd markup if you look at what the filter costs on Amazon. Luckily, it’s a relatively simple maintenance task that’s totally approachable at home and doesn't usually require specialized tools or skills.

Of course, it always depends on your vehicle, so be sure to look up the specifics on changing your car’s cabin filter, including where your cabin filter is located, and which filter it should be replaced with.

Your owner’s manual should tell you the exact location, but online communities like forums are a great source of real-world owner advice and knowledge specific to your vehicle. The AutoGuide.com Forum Network consists of more than 400 automotive and enthusiast forums

What Is A Cabin Filter?

Functionally, the cabin filter cleans the air entering your vehicle through the heating and air conditioning system. Airborne dirt, dust, pollen, and debris are trapped in the filter so they can’t enter the cabin area. It’s important to change them regularly, particularly for those with allergies or breathing sensitivities. Most automakers recommend changing your cabin filter at least once annually, or every 12,000 miles.

How to Choose the Right Cabin Filter?

You can’t go wrong with replacing your cabin filter with the same one that was originally equipped. It's relatively easy to find out which cabin filter your vehicle needs, your owner's manual should tell you which filter you need and how to access it—otherwise, the information is easily discoverable on the internet.

Many OEM cabin filters from brands like Mann Filter, TYC, and AC Delco can be found on Amazon for a fraction of the price charged by the dealership.

There are aftermarket filters available that have good reviews–and some offer cost savings–but when the price difference between the discount option and the OEM choice is less than $10-20 it doesn’t make sense to stray from what the automaker recommends.

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Where Is My Car's Cabin Filter?

This is usually the hardest part of the job. Typically, cabin filters are located behind the glove compartment, in the intake for the HVAC system. However, sometimes they’re in other places– like under the cowl on a Porsche 911. Your owner's manual will point you in the right direction or an internet search will usually yield the answer quickly.

If the filter is behind the glove compartment, you’ll have to remove any items stored inside and drop the glove box out of the way. It’s usually very simple once you’ve seen a video or pictures.

There will then be a removable panel that needs to be taken off to access the filter.

Removing the Old Cabin Filter

The filter will just pull out of the opening, it’s usually a snug fit though so don’t be alarmed if you need to use a bit of effort. Pay attention to how the filter is oriented during removal, there will sometimes be an arrow indicating which way the filter should orient to properly face the incoming air charge.

How To Install The New Cabin Filter

Check if there’s any debris built up in the housing before installing the new filter. Insert the new cabin air filter respecting any markings or arrows on the filter. If it took effort to come out, it may take a light push to install the new filter, but be mindful to not fold or crimp the edges.

Reinstall the cover, and replace the glovebox or any trim pieces that you may have had to remove to access the cabin filter. Once everything is back in place, start your car and enjoy the freshly filtered air as you drive.

While it’s great to save money and challenge yourself by tackling many routine maintenance items at home–if you're unsure about the process or don't feel comfortable doing it yourself then just bring it to the shop.

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