How To Change The Cabin Air Filter

As a mother who knows nothing much about cars, I tried to purchase a vehicle (used) that I knew from research was good on gas and cheap on repairs and parts. So recently I went to have my oil changed and to my surprise a oil change ran me almost $90 dollars. Apparently my car takes synthetic oil which I wasn’t aware of, so right away about $20 dollars is added on to my bill. Then as the repair man is doing a once over on my vehicle he then comes back and says my cabin air filter needs to be replaced and that was going to be an additional $40 dollars.

Instantly I am annoyed, it is raining outside I have my 10 month old with me and I thought this was going to be an in and out job 20 minutes the most. The repairman explained the necessity of the cabin air filter and how it was more of a matter of safety seeing that I have two children who ride in the car daily. He said the cabin air filter will trap the dirty particles, allergens and dust before they enter the cabin (seating area) of the vehicle.

He said if it were just me he wouldn’t make such a fuss about it but because I have children its matter or health and safety. I was thankful as the mechanic walked me through the process:

Most newer model cars have a cabin air filter, they are sometimes located under the hood of the car or under the dashboard, as mine was actually located through my glove compartment box. Where there was like a little access door. I was having maintenance done to my car, so the guy did it for me but if your not sure always take the old filter with you to get the correct replacement for your vehicle.

There are two type of filters a less expensive particulate and a more pricey activated charcoal. Both filter out dust, bacteria, pollen and other allergens but the costly one will also filter out harmful gases and odors.

For the installation the new filter should come with instructions but you should make sure that you vacuum out the chamber where the old filter was before placing the new filter in its place. You might also want to wipe it out or around for any other loose particles and build up. And thats all to it. You would want to check and make sure all is well nothing loose or out of place and if it checks then you have successfully changed a cabin air filter.